Despite Covid delaying the opening, the owner’s decision to stick with Guisborough cocktail bar, The Twisted Peel, has been a gamble that’s paid off in spades…
What to expect at The Twisted Peel
When Kirsti-Lee Bushby leased a small bar on Guisborough’s Church Street in February 2020, she was faced a week later by the sorry news that the UK was going into lockdown, preventing the opening of The Twisted Peel. Bushby, though, used this enforced closure to her advantage and spent the following 11 months renovating the bar to perfection and training her team to the highest standards in the arts of both hospitality and mixology.
And all of that time and effort definitely shows. Almost 3 years on since finally being able to open in April 2021, the level of care that goes into every element of The Twisted Peel is still very much apparent. It’s a small bar that’s makes good use of space with high and low seating, plus an outside terrace for summer drinking. The colour scheme is a cool combination of dark wood and teal. Low lighting, plush-covered barstools and trailing plant decorations are a chic touch. By day, it’s a casual cafe; on evenings, a classy cocktail bar, with proficient, friendly staff who switch seamlessly from baristas to bartenders.
But that’s not all. 2022 heralded the expansion of The Twisted Peel family, with the opening of two sister ventures – The Twisted Taproom and a second branch of The Twisted Peel cocktail bar – both in Norton. To top it off, in November of the same year, Bushby and her team were awarded the Best New Hospitality Business title at the Best New Tees Business Awards. After a rocky start, their fates have completely twisted.
What’s to drink at The Twisted Peel?
The Twisted Peel specialises in mixology, with fabulous cocktails being their main draw. They’ve got all the classics, skilfully made using the highest quality ingredients; a large selection of spritzes, mules and highballs; plus, original creations with a characteristic twist. Don’t miss the seasonal specials – 2023 saw some Christmas, Halloween and Barbie-themed cocktails that were very a-peel-ing! Keep and eye on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and offers.
For beer-lovers, four kegs offer a choice of cider, lager or ales. There’s usually a couple from BrewDog – Hazy Jane IPA and Black Heart Stout, when we visited – plus a rotating guest and their own lager, Anti-Vist. Lots of bottles and cans are available, along with wines and a huge range of spirits. If you’re not drinking, you can choose from coffees, soft drinks or mocktails.
What’s to eat at The Twisted Peel?
The Twisted Peel has a daily selection of homemade scones and cakes, as well as crisps and biscuits. For something savoury, you can have a ploughman’s lunch or a toasted sandwich with your choice of filling. If you want to push the boat out, grazing boxes for 1-2 or 2-4 people or afternoon tea (classic or boozy) can be arranged at 24-hours’ notice.
Where can I find The Twisted Peel?
Guisborough is situated just north of the North York Moors National Park and not far from the North Yorkshire coast (around 5 miles). Middlesbrough is a 20-25-minute drive away, Northallerton is just over half an hour's drive and Thirsk around 40 minutes.
The Twisted Peel is on Church Street, just round the corner from the popular Westgate. You can usually find a parking space along Westgate, free for 2 hours with a parking disc, available from local shops. Fountain East Street Car Park is just round the back of Westgate and parking prices are reasonable.
What’s on at The Twisted Peel?
The Twisted Peel hosts regular live music and a popular Rock & Roll Music Quiz. They also have frequent offers and occasional freebies and prizes. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.
The Twisted Peel, Guisborough: Summary
- Premium cocktail bar
- Beers and ales
- Cafe
- Homemade food
- Afternoon tea
- Dog-friendly
- Outdoor terrace
- Parking close by
- Good transport links
- Live music
- Quizzes
- Regular offers
Where can I find out more information?
The Twisted Peel's latest opening hours and updates can be found on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Have you visited The Twisted Peel in Guisborough? Let us know what you thought! For more reviews from Redcar & Cleveland and North Yorkshire, follow our blog!
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