Boa: We tried Derby's new tapas bar that serves 'rizz-tastic' tropical cocktails

Many questions plagued my mind one Saturday evening as I found myself standing outside Derby’s newest bar… Why is it so cold? How could Oxford University Press announce ‘rizz’ as their word of the year? What exactly does Boa stand for? 

I had just returned from a shopping trip to Nottingham and just so happened to stumble across the new bar and the former premises of The Wonky Table which was vacated earlier this year. I loved Wonky, from its menu to its décor so I was a little curious to see what the new owners had done to the place.

The entire restaurant has been transformed from a rustic neighbourhood restaurant into a trendy eatery.  There are luxe booths, Hakkasan-esque lighting, and a nod to the evergreen Pan-Asian food trend that continues to be a highlight at hip dining establishments across the country.

We somehow managed to get a table on a busy Saturday night and were seated upstairs. As it’s a cocktail bar, it would have been rude not to try out the drinks, so we started with Boa-jito.

This is the bar’s take on the classic mojito. Its base of caramelised pineapple-infused white rum married well with brown sugar syrup, whilst a dash of soda brought bubbles to the party.

Pina Colada Twist is not what I was expecting this drink to look like, but this is a bar that likes to surprise. 

An exotic blend of coconut, rum, and pineapple was a good mix and I liked the rose-shaped ice cube that was nice eye candy. I have a sweet tooth so I asked for this cocktail to be added with a little more simple syrup.

My request was happily accommodated and is a personal preference, not a negative about this cocktail.

I entered the hybrid dessert-cocktail territory with a tasty PB&J Old Fashioned which is perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want a full-on dessert.

Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey Liqueur is a clever addition to this cocktail which delivers nutty, woody notes tempered with chocolate and luxurious vanilla.

It came topped with a toasted medallion schmeared with peanut butter and a dollop of jam, which elevated this drink from decent to next-level libation.

We had some time to spare while waiting for our food, which is when I Googled what Rizz means, which is Oxford University Press’s World Of The Year.

Rizz is short and slang for charisma, and as I sipped my PBJ Old Fashioned, I realised the drink has rizz by the bucketload - it is stylish, packed with charm and one glass doesn’t seem to be enough.

Food was good and tapas-style dishes were filling.

Buttermilk fried chicken drizzled in hot honey had pleasant red chilli slivers providing a fiery pop on a chilly Saturday night.

Flambéed burrata with its moreish sweet and sour flavour profile was a hit at the table. 

Eye watering tart blackberries provided dramatic depth to the dish and were perfect when scooped onto creamy torn burrata. 

Masala spiced cod sticks were more like nuggets but they still tasted great.

They were lush with that fragrant sauce and bed of mushy peas.

Korean fried chicken looked inviting in their black and white sesame seeded glory.

Diner who had this dish (I had to steer clear because of mayo allergies) enjoyed it very much, saying the glaze had a hint of sweetness that resembled punchy balsamic.

Boa Derby is a place that will be busy during the festive season and beyond and for good reason. Their drinks are carefully thought out and executed with expert hands, whilst the food is also a treat on any day of the week. 

You might also enjoy:

Read more: ‘Largest postbox in UK’ unveiled in Derby

Read more: Christmas movies to enjoy at Derby cinemas

Read more: We review Cinderella festive show at Derby Theatre

Location: 32-33 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NR

For more information about Boa Bar visit their website by clicking here.