Claire House mums shake things up with special cocktail class at El Gato Negro

A group of mums supported by Claire House Children’s Hospice were treated to an exclusive cocktail masterclass this week, thanks to the team at El Gato Negro Liverpool.

The event, held at the newly reopened El Gato Negro on Castle Street, marked the launch of a brand new charity cocktail – with £1 from every drink sold in June going to support the vital work of Claire House.

The bespoke drink – named the Claire House Cocktail – has been created in the hospice’s signature colours of pink and blue, complete with a delicate rice paper butterfly to symbolise the children and families cared for by the charity.

Organised by Abbie Skelton from El Gato Negro, the event brought together bereaved mums who have been supported by Claire House, giving them a chance to enjoy a fun, relaxed afternoon while celebrating their children and the community they’ve built.

Abbie said: “We run monthly specials in our restaurants, often inspired by the seasons or something local. When we talked about supporting Claire House, creating a colourful cocktail that reflected their branding just felt like the perfect fit. Inviting the mums in for a cocktail making session was our way of saying we care – and to show how much this charity means to us.”

The Children’s Hospice helps seriously and terminally ill children live life to the full, no matter how short that life may be. The hospice provides end-of-life care, counselling, and emotional support to families going through the hardest times imaginable.

Emma, whose daughter Freya was supported by Claire House from the age of five until she passed away aged 16, said: “Claire House has been part of our lives for so long. We’ll always be grateful for the love and support they gave us.

“Getting together with the other mums to make cocktails was such a nice moment – it felt natural to talk about our experiences and remember our children in a relaxed and supportive space.”

Katie, mum to Ava, shared: “We made so many precious memories with Claire House, whether it was at the hospice or on day trips. Ava passed away in December 2023 and I’ve still been getting support every week. Making cocktails with the other mums – and the hospice staff – was a beautiful experience. Anything that helps keep our children’s memory alive means so much.”

As the mums chatted, they realised something unexpected – all of their children were born in May. “To start the month with our children’s birthdays and end it together like this was really special,” Katie added.

For Tia, whose son Dennis was cared for by Claire House, the event offered a brief escape and a strong sense of solidarity.

“They’ve helped me find confidence again and supported us as a family through everything. Being able to talk openly with other mums who’ve lived something similar is such a rare thing. The class was a lovely way to let go for a while – we laughed, we talked, and we toasted our children with the new Claire House Cocktail.”

The Claire House Cocktail is available at El Gato Negro Liverpool throughout June, with £1 from each sale going directly to support the hospice.

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