A COMPANY has launched its first cocktail bar in Beaminster - taking inspiration from Thomas Hardy.

Grey Bear Bar Company, run by Bridport-based barman Lloyd Brown, has opened a new cocktail bar at the Bridge House in Beaminster. After five years of mixing drinks at the award-winning Venner Bar at the Bull Hotel in Bridport, Mr Brown decided to set up Grey Bear Bar Company, and runs cocktail masterclasses and mixology training with his colleagues Thomas Jukes and Victoria Brown.

The first cocktail menu at the Bridge House will pay tribute to author Thomas Hardy.

He said: "Bridge House is the perfect venue for our first residency. It's a stunning hotel with lots of history which will be reflected in the menu alongside local spirits such as Porters Perfection vodka, Furleigh Estate and Newton House gin.

He added: "We can’t wait to work with owners Jo and Mark and create a cocktail bar for the residents of Beaminster to go alongside the fantastic eateries.

"Our first cocktail menu takes inspiration from Tess of the d’Urbervilles along with local characters from past and present."

Jo and Mark Donovan, who have been running Bridge House for more than 13 years, are excited about their new cocktail venture with Mr Brown.

Mrs Donovan said: "For a long time people have been keen to eat local produce, and now they also want to drink local, and Bridge House is very much about supporting regional producers.

"The cocktail menu will reflect locally made spirits and mixers, with cocktail recipes unique to the area. We are thrilled to be working alongside such an inspiring person - Lloyd is a well-known barman with a big following and talent for mixology.

"The Bridge cocktail bar will be a place where local people can relax and enjoy some exciting new taste experiences.

The Bridge House Cocktail Bar launches on will run on every Friday and Saturday night from 6pm until midnight. There will also be regular cocktail masterclasses with Lloyd Brown, with the next session taking place on Friday, April 28.

For more information, visit bridge-house.co.uk or greybearbarcompany.com