Local firm Canvas links with Wimbledon and Sipsmith for special at home cocktails

Canvas, an at-home bar experience, has linked up with the famous tennis tournament and gin giant Sipsmith to release a special edition ‘box’ for customers to enjoy while watching the finals from SW19.

The box, titled The Pleasing Particularities of Finals Weekend, features a trio of Wimbledon-themed cocktails, a unique bespoke drinks coaster, tennis ball-styled teacakes, scent spray, light gels and a bespoke playlist.

The limited edition box was on sale until earlier this week, with drinks posted out in time for the finals this weekend, and follows two previous offerings designed by some of the UK’s best mixologists.

The exclusive partnership with tennis’ biggest major is even more remarkable given Canvas is only a few months old.

Canvas' drinks and snacks for Wimbledon finals weekend

It was co-founded by Jonny Shields, 28, and is based out of Old Road, Farsley.

Mr Shields, originally from Newcastle, moved to Farsley last year with his partner after four years in London where he worked with some of the world’s biggest drinks brands.

It was his last job, with non-alcoholic spirit makers Seedlip, that he caught the bug for building a business from the ground up and challenging the status quo, and was inspired to go it alone.

Mr Shields said: “We believe great cocktails are about more than the liquid in the glass.

“For us, we love going to bars for more than just the drinks, it’s about the whole experience - the ideas behind the bar, the sounds and smells, and maybe most importantly, the service.

“We felt this was all missing from the at-home cocktail occasion. When we looked at what else was out there, it felt like it was either just a pre-bottled cocktail or a ‘masterclass’-style event where you’re taught how to make drinks.

“Neither of these felt right for us, we wanted more than just drinks but we not like going back to school. We want Canvas to be just like going to your favourite cocktail bar, just at your place instead.”

As well as brand new cocktails you get treats, like these tennis ball teacakes from The Marshmallowist in Farsley

The first two Canvas boxes have featured polar opposite occasions: the first recreated aperitivo in Barcelona, enjoying afternoon drinks on the street with the scent of oranges and bustle of the city; while the second mixed five-star hotel drinks with the warmth of the local pub.

Mr Shields added: “Feedback has been really positive, it’s been so great to hear from our guests really enjoying and indulging in the experience.

“One of my favourite responses was that ‘what began as some drinks turned into one of the best evenings we’ve had in a long time’.

“We’re really excited to be working with our friends at Sipsmith in the third box to bring to life their official partnership with Wimbledon.

“You can expect the scent of freshly cut grass, some delicious bespoke Tennis Ball Teacakes from the Farsley-based The Marshmallowist, and of course, some delicious cocktails perfect for sipping as the sun goes down after the tennis.”

Bill Shearer, from Sipsmith, is the bartender behind this box; a classic SW19 Summer Cup, Championships Martini, and strawberries and cream inspired Murray’s Milk Punch.

While this box is now unavailable, you can visit Canvas.bar to join the guestlist and get your hands on the next cocktail box coming in the next few weeks.

Where next for Canvas, after a successful start to business?

“Moving forward we’d like to continue to create unique cocktail experiences designed to come to life at home,” Mr Shields said.

“Whether that’s with our bartender-led bar concepts or our limited edition event boxes, we’re focused on making cocktails at home feel like cocktails at the bar.”

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