A leading North East casino will be offering a new way to begin your Friday night from September 4 with the launch of a weekly Cocktail Masterclass, giving Newcastle partygoers the chance to learn how their favourite mixes are made.

Aspers at The Gate has teamed up with John Collingwood, a mixologist who has trained more than 10,000 bar staff across the UK, to offer the weekly masterclass in Lady O's bar, situated next to the casino's Stowell Street Entrance. Up to 18 places are available for the sessions, which cost £5 per person, including the drinks mixed by each participant.

"We're always looking for new and exciting entertainment opportunities and, when we heard about John, I thought it would be perfect for Aspers clientele," said Tracy Kenny, Campaigns Manager at Aspers. "Everyone has a favourite cocktail, but how often do you get the chance to learn from the professionals?"

The new night was officially launched with a taster session in the main concourse of The Gate on Thursday, when John gave passing shoppers a taste of his mixing talents, using non-alcoholic ingredients to concoct Mojitos, Manhattans and Singapore Slings.

"I've worked with Aspers to devise an evening that is like nothing else in the North East," said John, who recently launched his own company, wanttoimpress.com, after six years working for Bacardi. "Guests can learn how to make the perfect cocktail before drinking their own creations. It's a great fun experience and something you'll never forget."

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The Cocktail Masterclass is just one part of Aspers autumn entertainment line-up which includes weekly live music, karaoke and a Burlesque dance class every Wednesday. Places on the masterclass are limited and can be booked by visiting www.wanttoimpress.com/shop.html  or emailing info@wanttoimpress.com.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Aspers at The Gate

by Point Pleasant Communications

For further information please contact Rob Lawson

on (0191) 519 7219 (Mobile: 07940 501 993) or email rob@point-pleasant.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• Aspers is a 45,000ft2 leisure facility in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
• The venue includes bars, restaurant, beauty spa, live entertainment and state-of-the-art gaming facilities.
• Aspers has attracted almost 138,000 members in just under four years from a catchment area covering Northumberland and County Durham, reaching across to Cumbria and down to York.
• In late 2007 Aspers became the first casino operator in the country to launch a loyalty club - Aspire - that allows customers to collect and redeem points throughout its operations (including gaming). Customers are now able to gain points for every purchase made on the premises and can also earn bonus points on selected promotions.
• In April 2008, Aspers became the first British casino to go 'membership free' which means that virtually all visitors can freely walk through the reception area without completing membership forms. Photo ID is required if you look under 21 and to join our Aspire Loyalty Club.
• Visitors to Aspers must be 18 or over
• At every Aspers location, the company has set up the Community Action for Responsible Gaming (CARG) programme. This initiative is unique to Aspers and is based on similar successful schemes in Australia and New Zealand. CARG is a voluntary, not-for-profit group that seeks to constructively address problem gambling issues in society through a working partnership between local community-based interest groups.