A Look Inside the Award-Winning Plates & Shakers: Voted Best Cocktail Bar in the Midlands
There are cocktail bars that serve drinks, and then there are places that completely redefine what a night out can feel like.
Plates & Shakers was created to bring something different to Ross on Wye. Not simply a place to eat and drink, but an immersive experience where cocktails, atmosphere, creativity, and presentation come together to create something guests genuinely remember.
In just its first year, Plates & Shakers was recognised as Cocktail Bar of the Year 2025, establishing itself as one of the most exciting independent cocktail destinations in the Midlands.
For guests visiting from Herefordshire, Birmingham, Wales, and beyond, the award reflects what many already experience the moment they walk through the door: a venue built around originality, quality, and atmosphere.
More Than Just a Cocktail Bar
At Plates & Shakers, the experience begins long before the first drink arrives.
Menus are hidden inside vintage books and vinyl records. Candlelight reflects across carefully designed interiors. Cocktails arrive layered with smoke, texture, colour, and theatre. Every detail has been intentionally crafted to create something immersive without ever feeling forced.
The vision behind the venue was simple: create a destination that feels exciting, creative, and completely different from a traditional cocktail bar or restaurant.
That philosophy shapes everything we do.
From signature drinks and tapas-style dining to seasonal concepts and evolving menus, nothing stands still for long at Plates & Shakers.
Learn more about our story on the About Us page.
What Helped Plates & Shakers Win Cocktail Bar of the Year?
Winning Cocktail Bar of the Year 2025 was not built around one single feature. It came from the combination of creativity, consistency, atmosphere, and attention to detail that defines the full guest experience.
Several elements helped Plates & Shakers stand out:
Over 100 signature cocktails created entirely in-house
Premium spirits and carefully sourced ingredients
Molecular mixology techniques and immersive presentation
Seasonal menus that evolve every two to three months
Tapas-style dining designed around sharing and social experiences
A strong, independent identity with theatrical, creative touches throughout the venue
Rather than following trends, Plates & Shakers focuses on creating experiences guests cannot easily find elsewhere in the region.
Signature Cocktails Designed to Be Remembered
Cocktails sit at the centre of the Plates & Shakers experience.
Every drink begins as an idea before being developed into something immersive, balanced, and visually striking. Some cocktails feel elegant and refined. Others arrive bold, theatrical, and impossible to ignore.
Our mixology regularly incorporates:
Smoke infusions
Champagne caviar
Vegan foams
Interactive presentation
Layered flavour profiles
Molecular gastronomy techniques
The goal is never theatre for the sake of it. Every detail exists to enhance flavour, atmosphere, and the overall experience.
Seasonal Menus That Never Stand Still
One of the defining features of Plates & Shakers is constant reinvention.
Both our food and cocktail menus change every two to three months, allowing our chefs and bartenders to experiment with new concepts, flavours, and seasonal inspiration throughout the year.
Returning guests always discover something new.
Our tapas-style dining menu has been carefully designed to complement the cocktail experience, encouraging guests to share dishes, explore flavour pairings, and enjoy evenings that feel social, relaxed, and immersive.
Creating a Destination Experience in Ross on Wye
Ross on Wye has long been known for its charm, history, and connection to the Wye Valley, but Plates & Shakers set out to bring something entirely new to the town’s hospitality scene.
The aim was never to create another standard restaurant or cocktail bar. Instead, the focus was on building a destination people would travel for.
Today, guests regularly visit from:
Herefordshire
Monmouthshire
Birmingham
South Wales
The wider Midlands region
Many combine a visit to the Wye Valley with an evening at Plates & Shakers, drawn by the venue’s growing reputation for immersive dining and award-winning cocktails.
Why Awards Matter for Guests
Awards alone do not create a great experience, but they do provide reassurance.
For first-time visitors searching for the best cocktail bar in the Midlands or looking for somewhere unique in Ross on Wye, industry recognition offers confidence that quality sits at the centre of the venue.
Being recognised as Cocktail Bar of the Year 2025 reflects:
Consistency in quality and service
Creative originality
Strong customer experience
Attention to atmosphere and presentation
Technical cocktail expertise
Most importantly, it reinforces what guests already say about Plates & Shakers — that it offers something genuinely different.
An Atmosphere Designed Around Experience
The atmosphere changes how people remember a night out.
At Plates & Shakers, lighting, music, presentation, textures, and service all work together to shape the mood of the evening. The space feels vibrant and energetic without becoming overwhelming, refined without losing warmth, and immersive while still feeling relaxed.
That balance makes the venue ideal for:
Date nights
Birthday celebrations
Group bookings
Casual evening drinks
Special occasions
Visitors exploring Ross on Wye and the Wye Valley
Take a closer look inside on our Gallery page.
Looking Ahead
Winning Cocktail Bar of the Year 2025 marked an important milestone for Plates & Shakers, but it is only the beginning.
The team continues to push creativity forward with evolving menus, immersive seasonal concepts, and new ideas designed to keep every visit fresh and exciting.
As the venue continues to grow, the focus remains exactly the same: creating memorable experiences built around exceptional cocktails, quality food, and atmosphere that guests genuinely connect with.
Visit the Award-Winning Plates & Shakers
If you are searching for the best cocktail bar in the Midlands or looking for a unique night out in Ross on Wye, Plates & Shakers offers an experience unlike anywhere else nearby.
From immersive cocktails and seasonal tapas to carefully crafted atmosphere and award-winning creativity, every visit is designed to leave a lasting impression.
Book your table today through our Reservations page or contact us for enquiries and group bookings.