Ginger Viking in Blandford named best place to drink in UK

Observer Food Monthly awards 2022 has given the title of 'Best Place to Drink' to Ginger Viking, a cocktail bar in Blandford. 

Alex Young opened the business in 2017 as a pop-up and it's grown in popularity since.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Alex said: "It's nuts we won this award, I was in shock, especially because we are only a little bar in Blandford.

"The quality of the cocktails is why people come to us."

It was third-time lucky for Alex Young – his bar, Ginger Viking, has been a runner-up twice. This year, readers voted it the Best Place to Drink #OFMAwards2022 https://t.co/n7WFpa4oGr

— Food Monthly (@ObsFood) October 19, 2022

As a former hydraulic engineer, Alex had been fascinated by cocktails for years.

It wasn’t until he took a career break aged 36 that he turned his knowledge into a business.

When Alex first floated the idea of opening a cocktail bar in Blandford it was met with scepticism.

Alex said: “A lot of people said it wouldn't work but I am stubborn and I said it will work and now it's become the best place to drink in the country."

Ginger Viking could soon become even more popular as Alex has discussed plans of turning the business into a franchise. 

Alex added: "Within the next five years, I want to look at making the business a franchise. 

"I haven't got a set plan yet but my next step I'm looking at would be to open a second cocktail bar in Wimborne."

The name of the bar was chosen because of a nickname Alex acquired from some Danish friends.

Alex said: "I got very drunk with my Danish friends in 2016 and I became the adopted Dane.

"I then later found out I also have a bit of Danish in me so that's how I came up with the name Ginger Viking."

You can find Ginger Viking at Ginger Viking, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR