The Cocktail Lovers Magazine Issue 5 Autumn 2012

PLUS An exclusive interview with Christina Hendricks A peak behind the scenes at Gerry’s Wines & Spirits And 25 reasons to be a cocktail lover this season

The London Issue The finest bartenders in the

capital come out to celebrate our first birthday edition

IN-tro

PARDON US FOR

BLOWING OUR OWN TRUMPETS but London really is one of the coolest cocktail capitals in the world.

We haven’t made that up; you’ll find all the proof you need to back up our theory during London Cocktail Week. From speakeasies in the south to notable drinking dens in the north, edgy hotspots in the east to well-to-do watering holes in the west, this seven-day celebration is the perfect excuse to check out our diverse and wondrous bars.

We’ve kickstarted the party by bringing together some of our favourite bartenders for the cover of The Cocktail Lovers Magazine. Well, seeing as this is the very first print issue of our quarterly drinks lifestyle publication, we had to do something special. So we called on the best, from the ones to watch starting out in their profession, through to those at the pinnacle of their careers. And we must say, with a 10 o’clock start on a Monday morning, we were thrilled to bits with the turn-out. A massive thank you to all who took part (see p. 59).

The London theme gathers pace with a six page Access All Areas guide to the capital with a map, area profiles and a handy bar directory (p. 17), and continues with a spotlight on Gerry’s, one of our favourite retail outlets in the whole wide world (p. 24). You’ll also find a lighthearted liquid history of London cocktails (p. 30), fashion with the London Cocktail Club crew (p.38) and a peek inside the portfolio of bar, hotel and restaurant consultants Gorgeous Group (p. 34). Oh, and we talk to Hannah Sharman-Cox, the lady we all have to thank for £4 cocktails, Routemaster bus bar tours and pretty much everything else happening at London Cocktail Week (p.42).

We do cast our net a little further afield with a look at the best of Leeds’ nightlife (p. 52) and a visit to Amsterdam to discover what’s hot on the cocktail front (p. 54). If that wasn’t enough, we also spend time with Mad Men star Christina Hendricks to find out why Scotch is her tipple of choice (p. 14). Don’t say we don’t give you value in our free, 60-page magazine.

Speaking of which, as well as being distributed during London Cocktail Week through to December, you’ll find The Cocktail Lovers Magazine online. Check in to see the making of our cover shoot, read profiles of the bartenders who took part, discover their specially created cocktail recipes and a whole lot more.

Happy imbibing!

Ms S & Mr G www.thecocktaillovers.com

The Cocktail Lovers - 3

Since 1885 Giffard has aimed to source the ďŹ nest ingredients, fruits and plants to provide bartenders worldwide with the perfect liqueurs and syrups to create unique and delicious cocktails.

www.giffard.com

Join us on

GIFFARD UK : MANGROVE - Tel: 020 8551 4966 info@mangroveuk.com - www.mangroveuk.com

IN-gredients

6. IN-the know 25 reasons to be a cocktail lover this season

which technique gets your vote on the cocktail-making front?

34. IN-focus

Blinging up festive cocktails and decking the halls – just a couple of the things we’re looking forward to in the next three months

The Gorgeous effect Behind-the-scenes with London’s top bar, restaurant and hotel consultancy

10. IN-terview

36. IN-dulge

In the hotseat – Alex Kratena

Buy the book

The winner of the International Bartender of the Year and World’s Best Hotel Bar shares a few secrets with Rebekkah Dooley

Ten cocktail books worth adding to your the home bar

12. IN-the spotlight Gentlemen’s drinks: Manning up to cocktails Alfred Tong gives the lowdown on how to get what you want at the bar

14. IN-the spotlight Real women drink whisky Christina Hendricks talks Scotch and reveals her favourite gamechanging serves

38. IN-style Get the drinks in at...

London Cocktail Club. With seriously cool looks from JJ Goodman, James Hopkins, Sarah Mitchell and Andy Mil

42. IN-dustry greats Ms Fix-it: Hannah Sharman-Cox The force behind London Cocktail Week explains how she got the project off the ground

17. IN-the spotlight

45. IN-dependent spirits

Access all areas: The discriminating drinker’s view of London

Beer necessities

Ben Norum puts the capital’s drinking spots under the microscope, with a map by Becky Roberts and a directory of London’s hottest bars

24. IN-focus Top of the shops Gerry’s, a veritable Aladdin’s Cave for serious cocktail lovers, right in the heart of Soho

26. IN-focus Take one drinks company... and focus on six of its brand ambassadors who explain what the highly coveted job entails

30. IN-focus London cocktails: Did you know?

A lighthearted guide to the serious business of drinking in the capital

32. IN-focus Classics vs. experimental Good old shaking and stirring or centrifugal systems and foams,

Pre-mixed cocktails get the V.I.P. treatment with Shaky Pete’s bottled Ginger Brew

46. IN-formed Mains and martinis Three great London restaurants where the cocktails are as good as the food

48. IN-formed Word up…

Last orders from Holly Penfield; music to drink cocktails to by The Style Council and The Cocktail Girl relives her childhood at Golden Bee

51. IN-the mix This season it’s all about... Bitters Add some ‘oomph’ in the flavour department with a few dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters

52. IN-sider’s guide Hot Leeds Why North gets the thumbs up with MOJO’s bar manager Sam Fish

54. IN-ternational Going Dutch Where to go, what to see and what to do in Amsterdam

58. IN-vite only Snapshot Pictures from our favourite parties, competitions and events from the past three months Editors Sandrae Lawrence, Gary Sharpen Sub-editor Susannah O’Grady Creative Director James Cheverton at Burnt Studio www.burntstudio.com Illustrations Melanie Milne www. seriousaboutdesign.me.uk; Nick Schon www.nickschonillustrator.com; Becky Roberts www.doodleyboo.co.uk Photography Johnnie Pakington www.johnniepakington.com; Liam Kennedy www.liamkennedy.co.uk Video Travis Watson at TBone Productions traviswatson@hotmail.com Contributors Rebekkah Dooley, Sam Fish, Ben Norum, Alfred Tong; Lauryn Tomlinson With special thanks to Fjalar Goud, Bob Nolet, Dennis Tamse For all editorial and advertising enquiries, please contact: mail@thecocktaillovers.com 020 7242 2546 07801 932 941/07816 202 547 www.thecocktaillovers.com Printed by BG Print Reproduction in whole or part of any contents of The Cocktail Lovers magazine without prior permission from the editors is strictly prohibited.

Cover photography by Johnnie Pakington.

Issue No. 5 October-December 2012 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

The Cocktail Lovers - 5

25

REASONS TO BE A COCKTAIL LOVER THIS SEASON Getting suited and booted, replacing fragrance with barrel-aged scents and reliving the spirit of the Eighties, just a few of the things on our radar in the next three months

one

Drinking cocktails from soup cans Whisky, Cherry Heering, Clayton’s Kola Tonic and soda all come together like a work of art in the Andy Warhol, served in a Campbell’s soup can, what else? www.beardtotail.co.uk.

6 - The Cocktail Lovers

02

IN-the know

04

Blinging up festive cocktails

Blowing the budget

with edible gold crumbs and powder, available from Handmade Treats. www.handmade-treats.co.uk.

and splashing out on this drop-dead gorgeous, downright glamorous Bloody Mary Kit crafted from sterling silver.

Do we need it?

Not really. Do we want it? Yes please! www.theofennell.com.

03

by securing them with this nifty Combi Lock Bottle Stop from www.whiskhampers.co.uk.

FIVE

GETTING SUITED & BOOTED

KEEPING SPIRITS UNDER WRAPS

007.

BEING INSPIRED

BY THE CATWALK

PLAYING FANTASY GIFT SHOPPING

and going for flower power for the cocktail hour. We’re loving the funky floral frockage from Peter Pilotto. Available from www.harveynichols.com.

08.

ZONING IN ON THE DETAILS… Accessories are where it’s at this season. Ladies, go for instant glamour by pulling on a pair of elbow-length leather gloves from www.corlettelondon.com…

in the drool-worthy new clothing and shoe collection from Berluti, probably the finest men’s clobber around. www.berluti.com.

Top of the list is this lush Tini Time Cocktail Cabinet. Not only does it look the business, it comes with a concealed vintage cocktail shaker that appears at the push of a button and secret compartments for garnishes. James Bond, eat your heart out. www.davidlinley.com.

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while guys can get in on the act with a natty bow tie. Choose from the fab selection of day and evening styles available from Budd Shirtmakers. www.buddshirts.co.uk.

The Cocktail Lovers - 7

Cosying up with cocktails & cake

10

How spiffing! 16 slices of hand-made cake, 12 sachets of tea, two Monin cocktail syrups, plus doilies, napkins and cake topper flags, all posted through your letterbox in one handy kit. Just add your spirit and carefully chosen guests. www.enjoycrumb.com.

12.

to put right the ravaging effects of central heating, cold weather and all the events previously mentioned (see 11).

We like Restorative Moisture Crème by Radical Skincare www.radicalskincare.com, and for the closest shave ever, try Kyoku Sake-infused shave crème for men. www.kyokuformen.com.

Thierry Mugler’s limitededition Liqueur De Parfums are left to mature in wooden casks for eight weeks, combining the art of perfume makers with the skill of cellar masters. Genius. www.mugler.com.

17

Stepping out in style in gravity-defying heels from the brand new Manolo Blahnik boutique on the first floor at Harrods. Perfect for perching at posh bars. www.harrods.com.

8 - The Cocktail Lovers

INVESTING IN A QUALITY EYE MASK With London Cocktail Week, Rum Fest, big birthdays and Christmas all on the agenda, our peepers will need all the help they can get. We’ll be keeping Origins No Puffery Cooling Eye Mask on standby – it does exactly what it says on the tin. www.origins.co.uk.

SLATHERING ON QUALITY LOTIONS AND POTIONS

13. REPLACING FRAGRANCES WITH BARRELAGED SCENTS

ELEVEN

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14

Taking notes of our favourite bars in the super-smart Places To Remember book from Smythson. www.smythson.co.uk.

Logging on to thehomecocktailshop for top-drawer cocktail kit at reassuringly down-to-earth prices, courtesy of World Class GB Bartender of the Year Andy Mil. www.homecocktailshop.com.

16.

MAKING BOTTLED GIFTS EXTRA SPESH

by simply adding a personalised label.

Select your colour, choose the wording, decide on the finish and leave it to Katie Sue to do the rest. Minimum order 2. www.katiesue.co.uk.

18

Decking the halls

with the kitsch Martini glasses wallpaper border from www.interiorandgarden.com.

19

TWENTY ONE FLAUNTING HOLLYWOODSTYLE PJS & NIGHTGOWNS

Packing up our troubles in a sleek-as-you-like clutch bag, like this one from David Hampton. www.davidhampton.com.

Stocking up on mini milk bottles Just the ticket for stylish serves of egg nog and other festive tipples. Order yours from www.dotcomgiftshop.com.

at the wonderful Bedtime Stories at 40 Winks series. With cocktails, nibbles and prizes awarded for the fanciest nightwear, it would be rude not to get into the spirit of things. www.40winks.org, nightwear from www.myla.com.

Kick starting the day with a breakfast cocktail Bacon and egg Martinis, Bloody Marys, boozy smoothies and the ultimate wake-up call, an espresso vodka, they’re all on the menu at the Fifth Floor Bar at Harvey Nichols.

What could possibly go wrong? www.harveynichols.com.

23.

Practising our tango and Cha-Cha-Cha and taking to the floor at the wonderfully elegant Waldorf Tea Dances each month, followed by a celebratory cocktail in Good Godfrey’s. www.waldorfhilton.com.

CHANNELLING THE SPIRIT OF THE EIGHTIES at the recently opened Babycham Bar at Maggie’s. With cocktails such as the Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma’am and Lady in Red, you just know you’re going to have a good time. www.maggies-club.com.

22

25

24...

MAKING SPICED SYRUPS FOR TASTY TIPPLES:

Warm 50ml caster sugar, 50ml water, 1 cinnamon stick, ½ nutmeg grated, 2 cloves and 1 split vanilla pod. Heat gently for 3-4 mins, stirring occasionally.

Leave to cool. Add to a tot of rum and top with champagne for a delicious twist to mulled wine.

The Cocktail Lovers - 9

Alex Kratena Head bartender of Artesian at the Langham hotel

IN-terview

IN THE HOTSEAT The Czech born head bartender of Artesian at The Langham hotel picked up two of the most coveted awards at the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards this year – World’s Best Hotel Bar and International Bartender of the Year. And they couldn’t have gone to a nicer bloke. The man who follows his heart not his head, and can’t live without the illusive ‘her’, embodies the ethos “work hard and be nice to people”.

What is your favourite drinking hole?

Blahovka, in Brno in the Czech Republic. It’s an oldfashioned Czech pub where my great-grandfather used to go. They serve the most amazing beer, home-made eau de vie and traditional pub snacks. It’s always packed and there’s never any bullshit. In London I like The Connaught Bar, Happiness Forgets, The Donovan Bar at Brown’s hotel, Callooh Callay, China Tang at The Dorchester hotel and the bar at 45 Park Lane.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio in Inception).

Three things that make you happy?

A certain young lady I am in love with; travelling; bartending.

Who or what was your first love?

Alcohol in any form.

What did you last dream about?

You certainly won’t be able to publish that!

What is your greatest fear?

Running out of stock; broken ice machines and glass washers.

What is your biggest regret?

I never regret anything in my life; I take everything as it comes.

Where is home?

My home is where my heart is.

What is your favourite smell?

Bergamot and sandalwood What gets you out of bed in the morning?

A-Tunes (Alexino Tunes).

Photography: Veronica lukasova

What is your preferred nightcap?

The one in my glass.

What is your most treasured possession?

My life experiences, material things mean nothing to me.

Head or heart?

Always heart.

What is success?

Being happy, healthy and wealthy… on the beach!

Describe your proudest moment Every time I make someone happy.

What would be the theme tune to your life?

100% Bangers.

What can’t you live with?

Arrogance, ignorance and stupidity.

And can’t live without?

Her. Tell us something we don’t know about you There’s a secret bar at The Langham.

And something you don’t want us to know?

A****** L**** M***** B*** You can drink cocktails made by the International Bartender of the Year in the World’s Best Hotel Bar at Artesian, The Langham hotel, 1c Portland Place, W1B 1JA. T: 020 7636 1000. www.artesian-bar.co.uk.

--- Interview by Rebekkah Dooley

The Cocktail Lovers - 11

- GENTLEMEN’S DRINKS -

MANNING UP TO COCKTAILS THEY CAN BE DOLCE VITA IN A GLASS OR A ONE-WAY TICKET TO OBLIVION. ALFRED TONG, AUTHOR OF ‘THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO COCKTAILS’, SHARES HIS TOP TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF AN EVENING’S COCKTAIL DRINKING. ILLUSTRATION BY JACK HUGHES.

Food Cocktails should be enjoyed before or after a meal. Some whet the appetite and some aid digestion, so always suggest to your companions dinner before or after.

Do your research The ambience, dress code and drinks in various cocktail bars vary wildly. In London, they generally veer between the quintessentially English as witnessed at Duke’s of Mayfair where James Bond first enjoyed a Vesper Martini, or more contemporary, fashionable bars such as Experimental Cocktail Club in Chinatown or Nightjar in Old Street. Check where you are going beforehand so you can dress, drink and behave accordingly.

Sip and savour Go easy. Cocktails are the fine dining of the drinks world, so just as you wouldn’t wolf down a Michelinstarred meal as though it were a McDonald’s, don’t knock back a Martini as if you were downing an Aftershock in a bargain basement nightclub. A three Martini lunch a la Mad Men might seem like a good idea but unless you can drink like Don Draper it most certainly is not.

Martinis especially are short drinks, which pack one hell of a punch. About one every 45 minutes is about right.

Getting the barman or table service’s attention A nod, a wink, or an arched eyebrow should suffice.

On no account wave money or shout.

Dating The seductive glamour of a stylish cocktail bar makes them great places to pull and also to take a date.

Here’s how:

1. Bribe the staff

Money well-timed and liberally applied will get you all kinds of preferential treatment – a bypass of the queue, the best table and an excessively warm welcome.

2. The table

Choose a table in a relatively quiet area where you can sit next to, or adjacent to one another. This makes snuggling up to one another easier. However, avoid anywhere that’s too quiet or else ordering will be difficult and avoid busy thoroughfares, walkways and, of course, anywhere in the immediate vicinity of the bathroom.

3. En route

There’s a brilliant bit in the film Goodfellas when the upwardly mobile young mobster Henry Hill takes his future wife on their first date. After walking her through the basement of Copacabana to avoid the queue, there’s a bottle of ice-cold champagne waiting for them at their table. Ask your date at dinner what her favourite cocktail is and make sure the staff have one waiting for her when she sits down…. and bada bing! You’re one-nil up before you’ve even had your first drink.

4. The bill

Don’t wait for the staff to bring the bill to you. Instead, excuse yourself to the bathroom and sort it out before you sit back down. And for God’s sake don’t go Dutch.

5. Sending drinks

That’s the kind of thing cheesy people do. Instead, ask the staff to make an introduction.

IN-the spotlight

Schmoozing In business, fail to schmooze and prepare to lose. Here’s how to become the Machiavelli of Martinis and the Sun Tzu of Singapore Slings:

6. Treat it like a date

Are they a man or a woman? How old are they? What kind of place are they going to want to go to? And how are you going to get there? Business drinks are in many ways like a seduction. Prepare the ground and pay attention to the details as you would on a date.

7. Values

Match the venue to the values of the organisation. If you are trying to win business from Dunhill then somewhere like the Savoy is entirely correct. Maybe a little less so if your client is Child Poverty Action Group. The same goes for ordering drinks. Huge magnums of champagne will not impress people who work for Greenpeace, whereas it might be just the thing for a group of investment bankers.

8. Less is more

Say as little as possible. Instead, listen. Psychologists have conducted tests to discover the kinds of people considered the most charming and interesting. It is always the person who speaks least. Listening means that you are able to glean that vital piece of information, which could tip the balance in your favour.

9. Drink like them

Different countries have different drinking cultures.

In South East Asia, someone who can drink a lot and participate in drinking games is generally considered quite impressive. Americans on the other hand tend to drink much less. Obviously there are exceptions in both cases but the point is, spend some time finding out what’s acceptable wherever you’re going to get the most from the experience.

These and other invaluable tips and recipes can be found in the handy, super-sharp book The Gentleman’s Guide to Cocktails, by Alfred Tong with illustrations by Jack Hughes (Hardie Grant books, see p. 36)

The Cocktail Lovers - 13

IN-the spotlight

Real Women Drink Whisky

No wonder it’s the spirit of choice for Christina Hendricks. The Cocktail Lovers get up close and personal with the Mad Men star to find out more “I’d much rather be Christina Hendricks than Joan Holloway,” says the titian-haired Mad Men star. “I mean it’s very sexy watching the show with all the bad behaviour and stylised interpretation of life in the 1960s, but we’ve made such huge strides since then,” she continues in her breathy Marilyn-esque voice. “It’s so much more enjoyable being a woman right now.”

Since landing the role of the sassy office manager at the fictitious advertising firm Sterling Cooper five years ago, Hendricks has become one of the most recognisable television stars around. Those temperature-raising curves certainly help. Looking every inch the siren even when she’s playing it demure as she is today in a black ensemble that covers up that famous cleavage, she’s part 1950s pinup, part modern-day Amazon.

No wonder Johnnie Walker approached her to be an ambassador for its premium range of Scotch whiskies.

Although being American she simply refers to it as Scotch. We’re in Rio de Janeiro for the Diageo Reserve World Class 2012 Global Finals and it’s the day after her stint as host of a dazzling event for the company.

Titled the Ultimate Game Changing Experience it showcased three previous competition winners, Erik Lorincz, Manabu Ohtake and Aristotelis Papadopoulos presenting her with their brand-new signature serves.

“It was so exciting to have some of the world’s best bartenders create three new serves for me,” she enthuses. “Each drink had completely different flavours and they all complemented Johnnie Walker Blue Label perfectly. A lot of people don’t consider women whisky drinkers and I’m representing a new group of women who are enjoying the spirit very much.”

She became a whisky poster girl almost by accident. “I did an interview for Esquire a few years ago and I mentioned that I thought it was sexy to drink Scotch,” she explains. “The people at Johnnie Walker read it and asked if I’d be interested in working with them. Of course I said yes.” It’s an inspired match. That winning mix of sex, strength and independence Hendricks exudes captures the spirit of the drink perfectly.

“There’s a pride involved when you order Scotch,” she purrs.

“It’s a strong choice, a confident choice and one that more and more women are starting to make for themselves.” She’s right. Kate Moss and Lady Gaga are just two of the highprofile women who drink whisky. Not that you have to be a celebrity to appreciate its richness and complexity.

14 - The Cocktail Lovers

Women tend to have better nosing and tasting skills than men, often outscoring males with their ability to identify aroma and flavour. “I do ask women why they think whisky is a man’s drink,” says Hendricks in evangelical mode. “I think it’s a fashion thing that’s been cultivated over a long time but with the trend for classic cocktails, there’s a growing appreciation for Scotch that’s attracting a new generation of female drinkers, including me and my friends. Our favourite way to enjoy it? Simply served neat at room temperature to fully appreciate its richness and character.”

Ladies, take note.

EXCLUSIVE

IN-the spotlight

Notting Hill

Camden

With or without a bit of help from Hugh Grant, Notting Hill manages to do what much of west London can’t and blend high-end glitz with a bohemian edginess. Anyone looking for the latter should gravitate towards Portobello Road where Trailer Happiness pushes the boundary of just how scruffy a cocktail bar can look, and Portobello Star distills its own gin.

Supplying the good-time vibes, Camden is less about sultry glamour and more about enjoying a few cocktails with your mates. Not that this means drinks aren’t taken seriously.

With British offerings at The Foundry, international flavours at The Cuban, bourbon-based cocktails at The Blues Kitchen and a very impressive array of spirits at the ever-popular Lockside Lounge, the drinks here are just about as eclectic as the market – you just have to make sure you avoid the overpriced tat and find the gems.

If this area was a drink... An exotic Caribbean Rum Punch, made daringly strong with good quality spirits.

chelsea From Chinese at Ju Ju to Hawaiian at Kona Kai via Argentine courtesy of Galante, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to cosmopolitan cocktail sipping in this part of town. Their similarities lie not in the drinks themselves, but the glitzy surroundings, shiny bar tops and bling adorned clientele. Outsiders to the area might enjoy a game of ‘spot the professional lady’ as much as a prettily presented drink.

If this area was a drink... A Porn Star Martini with a shot of champagne served on the side ticks all the boxes.

Islington Centred around Angel, Islington’s cocktail scene is young, fun and innovative. While Tony Conigliaro’s 69 Colebrooke Row is undoubtedly the place to go to see a master at work, there are a few local upstarts to keep him on his toes. From the Rum Cove at Wax Jambu to Slim Jim’s Liquor Store with its collection of bras suspended from the ceiling, there’s plenty of quirk and a supersized helping of Americana to munch on.

If this area was a drink... A Manhattan, with a homeinfused cherry and own-distilled bitters.

If this area was a drink... An area layered with different intoxicating styles, it’s going to have to be a B-52.

Bermondsey Being the home of the internationally-renowned Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has meant that Bermondsey Street has always quenched the thirst of a rather demanding crowd of drinkers, but a recent spate of cool restaurant openings has transformed the area into the so-called ‘Shoreditch of the south’. While still decidedly laid-back and not yet hip enough to be annoying, the popularity of bars such as Village East and The Hide means this pocket of London still manages to attracts a trendy crowd.

If this area was a drink... It would have to be a Sherry Cobbler in honour of tapas restaurants José and Pizarro which have helped put Bermondsey on the map.

Battersea For all the venues which are boosting Battersea’s bar scene at the moment, it’s beer, not spirits, which is the star attraction.

Between Ben’s Canteen, Powder Keg Diplomacy and Gaslight Grill, they’ve not only cornered the market in matching beers with food, but also in using them in cocktails. And, no, we’re not talking lager-itas or pina con lagers...

If this area was a drink... What could be more appropriate than an Ale Flip made with locally-brewed Sambrook’s Wandle Ale?

Southbank The Southbank isn’t all about overgrown Ferris wheels and buskers painted silver. There are some seriously stylish spots to grab a drink too. There’s elegant experimentation galore at riverside bars Skylon and the Oxo Tower, while you’ll need only wander a few streets back to find more relaxed (and tourist free) offerings at venues such as rum-fuelled Cubana or The Old Vic theatre’s swanky Pit Bar. If this area was a drink... Accessible, free flowing and the kind of place you want to go back to again and again, The Southbank has plenty of parallels with the humble Mojito. A good one, mind.

20 - The Cocktail Lovers

IN-the spotlight

LONDON BAR DIRECTORY

Dorchester (C/L Mon-Sat) Park Ln, W1K 1QA. T: 020 7629 8888. thedorchester.com.

QV Bar (Cs/C) Quo Vadis, 26-29 Dean St, W1D 3LL. T: 020 7437 9585. quovadissoho.co.uk.

CENTRAL (W1)

Experimental Cocktail Club (Cs/L) 13 Gerrard St, W1D 5PS. T: 020 7434 3559. experimentalcocktailclublondon.com.

Zenna Bar (Cs/G/L) 77 Dean St, W1D 3SH. T: 020 7437 2525. zenna-bar.co.uk.

Bar 45 (C/L) 45 Park Ln, W1K 1PN. T: 020 7493 4545. 45parklane.com.

Floridita (Cs/G) 100 Wardour St, W1F 0TN. T: 020 7314 4000. floriditalondon.com.

American Bar at Kempinski Stafford (C/Cs/L) 16-18 St James’s Pl, SW1A 1NJ. T: 020 7493 0111. kempinski.com.

Galvin at Windows (C/L) Hilton, 22 Park Ln, W1K 1BE. T: 020 7208 4021. galvinatwindows.com.

Aqua (C/Cs) 5th floor, 240 Regent St (entrance 30 Argyll St), W1B 3BR. aqua-london.com.

Graphic Bar (Cs/G) 4 Golden Sq, W1F 9HT. T: 020 7287 9241. graphicbar.com.

Artesian at The Langham (C/L) 1c Portland Place, Regent St, W1B 1JA. T: 020 7636 1000. artesian-bar.co.uk.

Hakkasan (C) 8 Hanway Pl, W1T 1HD. T: 020 7927 7000. hakkasan.com.

KEY: Classic (C); Casual (Cs); Good Times (G), Late Opening, after 12am (L)

Arch Bar (C) 1 Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY. T: 020 7409 3131. ichotelsgroup.com.

Azulita Bar (Cs/G) 80 Wardour St, W1F OTF. T: 020 7734 0195. wahaca.co.uk.

Baja Room (Cs/G/L Tues-Sat) El Camion, 5-27 Brewer St, W1F 0RR. T: 020 7734 7711. elcamion.co.uk.

Barrio Central (Cs/G/L) 6 Poland St, W1F 8PS. T: 020 020 3230 1002. barriocentral.com.

Bar Americain at Brasserie Zedel (C) 20 Sherwood St, W1F 7ED. T: 020 7734 4888. brasseriezedel.com.

Bourne & Hollingsworth (Cs/G/L) 28 Rathbone Place, W1T 1JF. T: 020 7636 8228. bourneandhollingsworth.com.

Bubbledogs (Cs/G) 70 Charlotte St, W1T 4QG. T: 020 7637 7770. bubbledogs.co.uk.

Burger & Lobster (Cs) 36 Dean St, W1D 4PS. T: 020 7432 4800. burgerandlobster.com.

Ceviche (Cs) 17 Frith St, W1D 4RG. T: 020 7292 2040. cevicheuk.com.

China Tang at the Dorchester (C/L Mon-Sat) 53 Park Ln, W1K 1QA. T: 020 7629 9988. chinatanglondon.co.uk.

Coburg Bar (C/Cs/L Tues-Sat) Connaught hotel, Carlos Pl, W1K 2AL. T: 020 7499 7070. the-connaught.co.uk.

Connaght Bar (C/Cs/L Tues-Sat) Connaught hotel, Carlos Pl, W1K 2AL. T: 020 7499 7070. the-connaught.co.uk.

Claridge’s (C/L Mon-Sat) Brook St, W1K 4HR. T: 020 7629 8860. claridges.co.uk.

Dabbous (Cs/G) 39 Whitfield St, W1T 2SF. T: 020 7323 1544. dabbous.co.uk.

Dean Street Townhouse (C/Cs/L Fri- Sat) 69-71 Dean St, W1D 3SE. T: 020 7434 1775. deanstreettownhouse.com.

Donovan Bar, The (C/L) Brown’s hotel.

Albemarle St, W1S 4BP. T: 020 7493 6020. brownshotel.com.

Hawksmoor Piccadilly (Cs) 5a Air St, W1J 0AD. (tel tbc) thehawksmoor.com.

LAB (Cs/G) 12 Old Compton St, W1D 4TQ. T: 020 7437 7820. labbaruk.com.

London Cocktail Club (Cs/G) 224 Shaftesbury Ave, WC2H 8EB. T: 020 7240 2331. 61 Goodge St, W1T 1TL. T: 020 7580 1960. londoncocktailclub.co.uk.

Long Bar at The Sanderson (C/L) The Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners St, W1T 3NG. T: 0871 332 8503. sandersonlondon.com.

CENTRAL (SW1) Albannach (Cs/G/L Thurs-Sat) 66 Trafalgar Sq, WC2N 5DS. T: 020 7930 0066. albannach.co.uk.

Bar Boulud (Cs/C/L) Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA. T: 020 7201 3899. barboulud.com.

Bassoon (C) Corinthia Hotel, 10 Whitehall Pl, SW1A 2BD. T: 020 7321 3000. bassoonbar.co.uk.

Blue Bar (C/L) The Berkeley hotel, Wilton Pl, SW1X 7RL. T: 020 7235 6000. the-berkeley.co.uk.

Dukes Hotel (C) 35-36 St. James’s Pl, SW1A 1NY. T: 020 7491 4840. www.dukeshotel.com.

Fifth Floor Bar at Harvey Nichols (C/L) 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ. T: 020 7235 5250. harveynichols.com.

Il Bar (C) Bulgari hotel, 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1DW. T: 020 7591 2442. bulgarihotels.com.

Match Bar (Cs/G) 37-38 Margaret St, W1G 0JF. T: 020 7629 7551. matchbar.com.

Library Bar (C/L)Lanesborough hotel, Hyde Park Corner, SW1 7TA. T: 020 7259 5599. lanesborough.com.

Mark’s Bar (Cs) 66-70 Brewer St, W1F 9UP. T: 020 7292 3518. hixsoho.co.uk.

St. James’s (C) 7 Park Pl, SW1A 1LS. T: 020 7316 1600. stjameshotelandclub.com.

Meat Liquor (Cs/G/L Fri-Sat) 74 Welbeck St, W1G 0BA. T: 020 7224 4239. meatliquor.com.

Vista (C/Cs/L) 2 Spring Gdns, SW1A 2TS. T: 020 7870 2900. thetrafalgar.com.

Milk & Honey (C/Cs) 61 Poland St, W1F 7NU. T: 020 7065 6840. mlkhny.com.

Zuma (C/Cs) 5 Raphael St, SW7 1DL. T: 020 7584 1010. zumarestaurant.com.

Player, The (Cs/G/L) 8 Broadwick St, W1F 8HN. T: 020 7065 6841. thplyr.com.

CENTRAL (WC1/WC2)

Pollen Street Social (Cs/C) 8 Pollen St, W1S 1NQ. T: 020 7290 7600. pollenstreetsocial.com.

Polpo (Cs) 41 Beak St, W1F 9SB. T: 020 7734 4479. polpo.co.uk.

Purl (Cs/G) 50-54 Blandford St, W1U 7HX. T: 020 7935 0835. purl-london.com.

Purple Bar at The Sanderson (C/L) The Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners St, W1T 3NG. T: 0871 332 8503. sandersonlondon.com.

Reform Social & Grill (Cs/C) Mandeville Pl, W1U 2BE. T: 020 7224 1624. reformsocialgrill.co.uk.

Riding House Café (Cs) 43-51 Gt Titchfield St, W1W 7PG. T: 020 7929 0840. ridinghousecafe.co.uk.

Star at Night The (Cs) 22 Gt. Chapel St, W1 8FR. T: 020 7494 2488. thestaratnight.com.

Thirst (Cs/L) 53 Greek St, W1D 3DR. T: 020 7437 1977. thirstbar.com.

www.monkeyshoulder.com/ForOneNightOnly

Adventure Bar (Cs/G) 20 Bedford St, WC2E 9HP. T: 020 7924 6055. adventurebar.co.uk.

American Bar at The Savoy (C) Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EU. T: 020 7836 4343. fairmont.com.

Beaufort Bar at The Savoy (C) The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EU. T: 020 7836 4343. fairmont.com.

Bedford & Strand (Cs) 1a Bedford St, WC2E 9HH. T: 020 7836 3033. bedford-strand.com.

Café Pacifico (Cs/G) 5 Langley St, WC2H 9JA. T: 020 7379 7728. cafepacifico-laperla.com.

Detroit (Cs) 35 Earlham St, WC2H 9LD. T: 020 7240 2662. detroit-bar.com.

Covent Garden Cocktail Club (Cs/L) 6-7 Gt. Newport St, WC2H 7JA. T: 020 7836 9533. coventgardencocktailclub.co.uk.

Good Godfrey (C/L) The Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych, WC2B 4DD. T: 020 7836 2400. waldorfhilton.co.uk.

IN-the spotlight

Hawksmoor Seven Dials (Cs) 11 Langley St, WC2H 9JG. T: 020 7420 9390. thehawksmoor.com.

Hawksmoor Spitalfields (Cs/G) 157 Commercial St, E1 6BJ. T: 020 7426 4850. hawksmoor.co.uk.

Gilgamesh (Cs/G/L Fri-Sat) The Stables Market Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AH. T: 020 7482 5757. gilgameshbar.com.

Heliot Bar (Cs/C/L) The Hippodrome, Cranbourn St, WC2H 7JH. T: 020 7769 8888. hippodromecasino.com.

Hoxton Pony (Cs/G/L Thurs-Sat) 104-108 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3AH. T: 002 7613 2844. thehoxtonpony.com.

Shaker & Co (Cs/G) 119 Hampstead Rd, NW1 9EE. T: 020 7060 6877. shakerandcompany.co.uk.

Lobby Bar (C/L) One Aldwych hotel, 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4RH. T: 020 7300 1000. onealdwych.com.

Lounge Bohemia (Cs/G) 1e Gt. Eastern St, EC2A 3EJ. T: 07720 707000. loungebohemia.com

Shaka Zulu (Cs/G/L Thurs-Sat) The Stables Market Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AB. T: 020 3376 9911. shaka-zulu.com.

Light Bar (Cs/L) 45 Martin’s Ln, WC2N 4HZ. T: 020 7300 5588. stmartinslane.com.

Liberty Lounge (Cs/G/L) 1a Bell Ln, E1 7LA. T: 020 7193 0342. liberty-lounge.co.uk

Mishkin’s (Cs) 25 Catherine St, WC2B 5JS. T: 020 7240 2078. mishkins.co.uk.

Lounge Lover (Cs/G/L Fri & Sat) 1 Whitby St, E1 6JU. T: 020 7012 1234. loungelover.uk.com.

Shop, The (Cs/G) 75 Chamberlayne Rd London NW10 3ND. T: 020 8969 9399. theshopnw10.com.

Rule’s (C) 35 Maiden Ln, WC2E 7LB. T: 020 7836 5314. rules.co.uk.

Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (Cs/G) 2-16 Artillery Lane, E1 7LS. T: 020 7078 9639. themayorofscaredycattown.com.

Salon Bar de Joel Roubochon (C/Cs/L) 13-15 West St, WC2H 9NE. T: 020 7010 8600. joelrobuchon.co.uk.

CITY Anthologist, The (Cs/L Thurs & Fri) 58 Gresham St, EC2V 7BB. T: 0845 468 0102. theanthologistbar.co.uk.

Nightjar (Cs/C/L) 129 City Rd, EC1V 1JB. T: 020 7253 4101. barnightjar.com.

Redchurch, The (Cs/G/L) 107 Redchurch St, E2 7DL. T: 020 7729 8333. theredchurch.co.uk.

Viajante (Cs) Town Hall Hotel, Patriot Sq, E2 9NF. T: 020 7871 0461. viajante.co.uk.

Bonds Restaurant & Bar (C) 5 Threadneedle St, EC2R 8AY. T: 020 7657 8090. theetoncollection.co.uk.

Worship Street Whistling Shop (Cs/C/L) 63 Worship St, EC2A 2DU. whistlingshop.com.

Duck & Waffle (Cs/L) Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY. T: 020 3640 7310. duckandwaffle.com.

Zetter Townhouse (Cs/C) 49 St. John’s Sq, EC1V 4JJ. T: 020 7324 4545. thezettertownhouse.com.

Folly, The (Cs/L Thurs & Fri) 41 Gracechurch St, EC3V 0BT. T: 0845 468 0102. thefollybar.co.uk.

Zigfrid von Underbelly (Cs/G/L) 11 Hoxton Sq, N1 6NU. T: 020 7613 1988. underbellyhoxton.com.

Hawksmoor Guildhall (Cs) 10-12 Basinghall St, EC2V 5BQ. T: 020 7397 8120. thehawksmoor.com

WEST

New Bloomsbury Set (C) 76 Marchmont St, WC1N 1AG. T: 020 7383 3084. newbloomsburyset.com.

Pearl (C) 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN. T: 020 7829 7000. pearl-restaurant.com.

Chamucos Clubhouse, The (Cs/G) 125 Westourne Park Rd, W2 5QL. T: 020 7727 6771. crazyhomies.com.

Lonsdale (Cs/L) 48 Lonsdale Rd, W11 2DE. T: 020 727 4080. thelonsdale.co.uk.

Slim Jim’s Liquor Store (Cs/G/L) 112 Upper St, N1 1QN. T: 020 7354 4364. slimjimsliquorstore.com.

VOC (Cs) Varnishers Yard, Regent Quarter, N1 9AW. T: 020 7713 8229. voc-london.co.uk.

White Rabbit (Cs/G) 25 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0UH. T: 020 3556 3350. whiterabbitlondon.co.uk

SOUTH 64th & Social (Cs) 64th & Social (Cs/L ThursSat) 64 Clapham High St, SW4 7UL. T: 020 7627 2535. 64thsocial.com.

Bar Galante (Cs/C) 87 Sloane Ave, SW3 3DX. T: 020 7589 4256. bargalante.com.

Bart’s (Cs/G/L) Chelsea Cloisters, 87 Sloane Ave, SW3 3DW. T: 020 7581 3355. barts-london.com.

Bunga Bunga (Cs/G/L) 37 Battersea Bridge Rd, SW11 3BA. T: 020 7095 0360. bungabunga-london.com.

Evan’s & Peel Detective Agency (Cs) 310c Earl’s Court Rd, SW5 9AQ. T: 020 7373 3573. evansandpeel.com.

Hide Bar (Cs/L) 39-45 Bermondsey St, SE1 3XF. T: 020 7403 6655. thehidebar.com.

K Lounge (Cs/L) K West Hotel, Richmond Way, W14 0AX. T: 020 8008 6657. k-west.co.uk.

Loft, The (Cs/G/L) 67 Clapham High St, SW4 9TG. T: 020 7627 2210. theloftclapham.com.

Skylounge (Cs/L) Doubletree by Hilton, 7 Pepys St, EC3N 4AF. T: 020 7709 1000. doubletree3.hilton.com.

Montgomery Place (Cs/L Fri-Sat) 31 Kensington Park Rd, W11 2EU. T: 020 7792 3921. montgomeryplace.co.uk.

Maggie’s (Cs/G/L) 329 Fulham Rd, 9QL. T: 020 7352 8512. maggies-club.com.

Sushisamba (Cs/C) Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY. T: 020 3640 7330. sushisamba.com.

Portobello Star (Cs/G) 171 Portobello Rd, W11 2DY. T: 020 7229 8016. portobellostarbar.co.uk.

Vertigo 42 (C) Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 1HQ. T: 020 7877 7842. vertigo42.co.uk.

EAST 98 Bar and Lounge (Cs) 98 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3AF. T: 020 7729 0087. ninetyeight-bar-lounge.com Bistrotheque (Cs) 23–27 Wadeson St, E2 9DR. T: 020 8983 7900. bistrotheque.com.

Callooh Callay (Cs) 65 Rivington St, EC2A 3QQ. T: 020 7739 4781. calloohcallaybar.com.

Casita (Cs/G) 5a Ravey St, EC2A 4QW. T: 020 7729 7230. (no web).

Dream Bags (Cs/L) 32-36 Kingsland Rd, E2 8DA. T: 020 7729 5830. jaguarshoes.com.

Drunken Monkey (Cs/G) 221-222 Shoreditch High St, E1 6PJ. T: 020 7392 9606. thedrunkenmonkey.co.uk.

Floripa (Cs/G/L) 91-93 Gt. Eastern St, EC2A 3HZ. T: 020 7613 4228. www.floripalondon.com.

Happiness Forgets (Cs) 8-9 Hoxton Sq, N1 6NU. T: 020 7613 0325. happinessforgets.com.

Oxo Tower (Cs/C) Barge House St, SE1 9PH. T: 020 7021 1600. harveynichols.com.

Supper Club (Cs/G/L) 12 Acklam Rd, W10 5QZ. T: 020 8964 6600. supperclub.com.

Powder Keg Diplomacy (Cs) 146 St John’s Hill, SW11 1TQ. T: 020 7450 6457. powderkegdiplomacy.co.uk.

Trailer Happiness (Cs/G) 177 Portobello Rd, W11 2DY. T: 020 7313 4644. trailerhappiness.com.

Skylon (Cs/C) Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX. T: 020 7654 7800. skylon-restaurant.co.uk.

NORTH

Village East (Cs) 171-173 Bermondsey, SE1 3UW. T: 020 7357 6082. villageeast.co.uk.

69 Colebrooke Row (Cs/C/L Thurs-Sat) 69 Colebrooke Row, N1 8AA. T: 07540 528593.

69colebrookerow.com.

Barrio North (Cs/G/L Thurs-Sat) 45 Essex Rd, N1 2SF. T: 020 7688 2882. barrionorth.com.

Blues Kitchen, The (Cs/G/L) 111-113 Camden High St, NW1 7JN. T: 020 7387 5277. theblueskitchen.com.

Booking Office, The (Cs/L) Renaissance London Hotel, Euston Rd, NW1 2AR. T: 020 7841 3566. bookingofficerestaurant.com.

Dach & Son (Cs/M) 68 Heath St, NW3 1DN. T: 020 7433 8139. dachandsons.com.

Gilbert Scott, The (Cs/L) Renaissance London Hotel, Euston Rd, NW1 2AR. T: 020 7278 3888. thegilbertscott.co.uk.

MEMBER’S CLUBS 34 (C) 34 Grosvenor Sq, W1K 2HD. T: 020 3350 3434. 34-restaurant.co.uk.

Arts Club, The (C/L) 40 Dover St, W1S 4NP. T: 020 7499 8581. theartsclub.co.uk.

Club at The Ivy, The (C) 9 West St, WC2H 9NE. T: 0871 971 5156. the-ivyclub.co.uk.

Eight Moorgate (C/L) 1 Dysart St, EC2A 2BX. T: 020 7392 9410. eightclub.co.uk.

Groucho Club (Cs/C) 45 Dean St, W1D 4QB. T: 020 7439 4685. www.thegrouchoclub.com.

Home House (Cs/C) 20 Portman Sq, W1H 6LW. T: 020 7670 2000. homehouse.co.uk.

Salvatore at Playboy Club London (C/G/L) 14 Old Park Ln, W1K 1ND. T: 020 7491 8586. playboyclublondon.com.

IN-focus

TAKE ONE DRINKS COMPANY… add six different personalities, each as individual as the spirits they represent.

Colin Dunn, Daniel Dove, Julien Lafond, Deano Moncrieffe, Kabir Surahan and Jill Saunders describe what it takes to be a brand ambassador for Diageo Reserve Once upon a time there were drink sales reps. Then along came brand ambassador. More modern, much cooler and way more relevant than the stuffy suits of old, these guys have taken the business of drink brand awareness to a whole new level. Their backgrounds certainly help. For the most part those chosen for this fairly new and much coveted job have a few years of bar experience under their belts. Which means that they not only have great links with bartenders and know how to whizz up cracking cocktails, they’re rather gifted in the personality department as well.

That’s certainly a major requirement of the role. Once on board, they become a living, breathing extension of the product they represent. “We’re the link between the brand and consumer/trade,” says Deano Moncrieffe, Ketel One UK Ambassador, explaining the nuts and bolts of the job. “We build relationships with press, media, trade and customers that will hopefully be long lasting.” Jill Saunders, who is charged with bringing Tanqueray gin products from the distillery and into our glasses continues: “The main thing an ambassador needs to do is get people excited about their brand. You have to make sure your own level of knowledge is top notch and bring everything to life in an interesting way.”

They make it look easy but this is not a position for the faint-hearted or those who love routine. “In the last couple of weeks I’ve worked at six Ketel One sponsored events, conducted three training sessions with bartenders, created new cocktails to be paired with food, had a couple of meetings with PR companies, visited around 15-20 bars that stock Ketel One to see how new menus are going, met up with great bartender friends and sampled a cocktail or two along the way,” says Deano. “One myth I would like to dispel is that we only work Monday to Friday, nine-till-five. It’s a job that is day and night with plenty of weekends thrown in for good measure and I love every minute of it.”

26 - The Cocktail Lovers

Daniel Dove, Zacapa UK Ambassador concurs.

“Representing Ron Zacapa for GB brings me new challenges on a weekly basis. Every week is a new event, every month brings a new menu, every quarter offers a new season of drinks and every year we see Zacapa grow and grow.” And that’s the crux of the matter; sales. With so many products out there, all vying for attention it’s crucial to innovate, educate and stimulate in ways that make a memorable and lasting impression on a savvy and fickle audience.

“I became an ambassador because I wanted to pass on my drinks knowledge, inspire the young generation of bartenders and consumers, and change the perception of whisky from being an ‘old man’s drink” to the multidimensional liquid it is now,” says Colin Dunn, Malt Whisky UK Brand Ambassador and fountain of all knowledge on the whisky front. He’s certainly done that and continues to do so through ongoing consumer and trade events. “Every person you’ll convert to love your spirit will become an ambassador for it,” adds Julien Lafond, who represents the spirit of Grand Marnier here in Blighty. “And that’s the beauty of the job.”

The Vodka Ambassador Deano Moncrieffe, Ketel One UK Ambassador “I try to bring the brand to life in many ways and spread the word that we are much more than an exceptional liquid, Ketel One is craftsmanship, heritage and modernity.”

What’s the best thing about your spirit?

“Versatility is the obvious answer but vodka has the capacity to be the chameleon of the spirits world, the further you push it with creative experimentation, the more it has the power to surprise you. Since I started working with vodka it’s made me far more creative as a bartender. ”

Pink Pigeon Takes Flight Getting under the feathers of the rum that is the elusive Pink Pigeon Handcrafted in Mauritius, enjoyed all over the world.

There are rums and then there is Pink Pigeon, a smooth, light and delicious vanilla rum tinged with delicate honeyed floral notes. Complex enough to satisfy the palate of serious rum fans yet light enough to appeal to newbies, this exceptionally crafted artisan spirit translates the riches of the Mauritian terroir into the distinctive and stylish matt black, hand-sealed bottle.

Pink Pigeon rum: it’s all about vanilla, values and versatility BOURBON VANILLA, the finest vanilla in the world Vanilla is one of those feel good scents and flavours that resonates with everyone. It has associations of ice cream, sodas, luxury and warmth – some even say it takes us back to our mother’s breast.

No wonder Pink Pigeon have used it as the key ingredient in its exquisitely silky and creamy single estate rum. That said, theirs is not a run-of-the-mill vanilla. It’s about as natural as you’re likely to get and comes from the exotic islands of Madagascar and Reunion. Not only that, every pod that finds its way into the sleek bottle is the result of a clever, expensive and painstaking process that’s intrinsic to its unique characteristics and taste.

Consider this: each orchid is hand pollinated and hand picked before being left to infuse in the handcrafted rum for six months to impart its incomparable flavour. Separate infusions of orange peels and orchid petals are made before they all come together in a harmonious fashion under the expert guidance of the Master Distiller, Alain Chatel.

Did you know...

The Bourbon vanilla used in Pink Pigeon rum is the second most expensive spice in the world, second to saffron?

Every single pod is lovingly hand-labelled.

Advertorial

Values

Visit

Behind the name The name Pink Pigeon isn’t a marketing gimmick.

It’s real, inspired by the elusive pink pigeon, which is native to the island and flies free in the Mauritian skies.

And keen that its rare muse shouldn’t go the way of its one-time neighbour the dodo, Pink Pigeon rum donates a percentage of its sales to the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to help secure its survival.

Bars serving Pink Pigeon rum and cocktails

Did you know...

In the 1990s only nine pink pigeons were in existence on the island and now there are over 400.

Versatility Ways to drink it Pink Pigeon makes a very fine Mojito. It also makes a damned good Daiquiri. But it doesn’t stop there.

Award-winning mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana has devised twelve original ways of serving and teasing out the unique flavour profile of this sublime liquid. From simple to complex – long and short, there’s a Pink Pigeon cocktail for everyone. Try these at home for yourself.

Pink lemonade 40ml Pink Pigeon rum 10ml Triple Sec 25ml fresh lemon juice 15ml sugar syrup Soda Lemon slice Method: Shake Pink Pigeon, triple sec, lemon juice and sugar and strain over cubed ice. Top with soda and garnish with lemon slice Pigeon Aperitivo 30ml Pink Pigeon rum 15ml aperol 15ml cocchi 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters 1 black olive Method: Stir ingredients over cubed ice. Double strain into a small chilled Martini glass and garnish with a black olive on a pick.

Flip and Flight 30ml Pink Pigeon 15ml Dry Oloroso sherry 15ml grenadine 1 whole egg Vanilla salt spray crusted flute Method: Dry shake ingredients together, then shake again over cubed ice. Double strain into a chilled glass coated in a vanilla/salt solution.

For more Pink Pigeon cocktails see www.youtube.com/pinkpigeonrum

Royal Exchange Grand Café, The Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR. T: 020 7618 2480. www.royalexchangegrandcafe.co.uk. Volupté, 9 Norwich Street, EC4A 1EJ. T: 020 7831 1622. www.volupte-lounge.com. Ziloufs, 270 Upper Street, N1 2UQ. T: 020 7226 1118. www.ziloufs. com. Rattlesnake, 56 Upper Street, N1 0NY. T: 020 7354 0471. www.rattlesnakeangel.com. The Book Club, 100 Leonard Street, EC2A 4RH. T: 020 7684 8618. www. wearetbc.com. The Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX. T: 020 7422 0958. www.queenofhoxton. com. 333, 333 Old Street, EC1V 9LE. T: 020 7739 5949. www.333mother.com. Juju, 316 - 318 King’s Road, SW3 5UH. T: 020 7351 5998. www.jujulondon.com. Rocket Canary Wharf, Churchill Place, E14 5RB. T: 020 3200 2022. Rocket City, 6 Adams Court Old Broad Street, EC2N 1DX. Tel: 020 7628 0808. Rocket Bishopsgate, 201 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3AB. Tel: 020 7377 8863. Rocket Mayfair, 4 Lancashire Court, W1S 1EY. Tel: 020 7629 2889. Rocket Nottingham, The Cornerhouse, Foreman Street, Nottingham, NG1 4DB. Tel: 0115 924 2664. www. rocketrestaurants.co.uk. Great Eastern Dining Rooms, 54 - 56 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3QR. T: 020 7613 4545. www.rickerrestaurants.com/greateasterndiningroom.

Waxjambu, 144-145 Upper Street, N1 1QY. T: 020 7226 7660. www.waxjambu.co.uk Drunken Monkey, 222 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ. T: 020 7392 9606. www. thedrunkenmonkey.co.uk.

Find out more www.pinkpigeonrum.com www.facebook.com/pinkpigeonrum www.twitter.com/pinkpigenorum Distributed by Cask Liquid Marketing 44 (0) 7970 515584. Stuart@caskliquidmarketing.com

IN-focus

Like the concept they came up with for Ampersand in South Kensington. Thanks to their vision, the 40-room independent hotel boasts a swish drawing room serving top notch coffee, champagne and pastries on the ground floor and a standalone aperitivo bar with Mediterranean plates below. “We looked at what was in the area and what was missing was a real local bar and well-priced eatery,” explains Blake Walker, drinks manager at Gorgeous.

“We wanted to create somewhere stylish and affordable for the people who live nearby. There’s a large European community, so Mediterranean influences were important but we used this as a basis and gave it a little twist.”

including the delicious Strudel Bellini with raisin-infused rum, apple and spices and a hint of pastry coming through with the Brut – destined to become a ‘don’t leave Vienna without trying,’ kind of cocktail. For the rum and cigar bar, de Feral created a list including the Viennese Fog, a rich, contemplative end of the evening drink blending spiced cola syrup, aged rum, celery bitters and a dramatic puff of applewood smoke.

Fun times at Oceanic

Elegance at Beau-Rivage Palace

They sought inspiration from the nearby Victoria and Albert Museum, zoning in on the Grand Tour of Europe.

Hence a menu that references visionary artists and creative thinkers of the era, including Inigo Jones, Sir Thomas Hanbury and William Morris, all re-imagined in light, mainly vermouth and sherry-based cocktails such as the herbal Amerigo, a new Old-Fashioned made up of Pikesville rye whiskey, Martini Rosso, Galliano Ristretto, Crème de Mure and Angostura bitters.

Each job they undertake comes with its own challenges but none more so than their ongoing project in Accra, Ghana.

“The owner recognised that with the large expat community this region is attracting, it’s set to be a mini Dubai. Cleverly, he wanted to be the first to kick start the inevitable growth in the area,” explains Julian Shaw, director of the company.

He’s worked with Bargh for 20 years and it is his role to make all of the visions – however difficult – come to life. Gorgeous were appointed to work on every aspect of the contemporary Japanese restaurant in Accra, including flying in ingredients from Japan, sourcing furniture in France and importing spirits from London. “We also have to train the staff on an ongoing basis – many have never visited a restaurant before let alone know the etiquette of Japanese culture. We’ve given them a background in everything from wines and sake through to teaching them how to hold chopsticks.” The cocktails here had to be simple to make to a consistently high standard for the relatively novice bartenders. “We’ve gone for long drinks like the Asian Punch, with American bourbon, mango and cardamom with cracked pepper on the garnish to give it a spicy nose,” says Walker.

Another recent project involved creating a new drinks list for the Ritz Carlton in Vienna. “The décor was already completed and we had a month to work on the menu. They wanted two offerings: one for the rooftop bar open during the summer, the other for a year-round rum and cigar bar,” says Shaw, setting the scene. Julian de Feral, drinks specialist and the latest addition to the Gorgeous team continues: “The cocktails tend to be very classic in Austria, so we took that into consideration but wanted to link back to the location.” The result? Drinks

So far, so glamorous. At the other end of the spectrum is their project for the Oceanic Bar at the Radisson Edwardian Blu at Heathrow Airport. There’s none of your fancy-pants five-star frippery here, what the guests want is something quaffable, affordable and fun. “The Oceanic was the original name of the first terminal at Heathrow and the first link between the UK and US,” Robbie says.

“So it was a fairly easy concept to work on.” As well as a list of fifteen drinks to sum up American cocktails from the 19th century to the 1980s, they’ve revived the neglected category of the simple ‘highball’ and developed a selection of ‘hard shakes’. Their super-scrummy Lemon Cheesecake Hard Shake laced with limoncello is a dessert, cocktail and all-round feelgood taste sensation in a glass.

“We all work together on the projects. We push each other a lot and have to come out of our comfort zones, sometimes doing things we might not like but we know is right for the guest,” concludes Bargh. And that’s what being Gorgeous is all about. www.gorgeousgroup.com.

We’re currently working on projects in Paris, Singapore, Ghana, Abu Dhabi, Ottawa and London

The Cocktail Lovers - 35

IN-style

GET THE DRINKS IN AT...

London Cocktail Club JJ Goodman, James Hopkins, Andy Mil and Sarah Mitchell strike a pose in this season’s key styles

THE GUV’NORS: JJ wears navy Covert jacket, £399, Jaeger; white herringbone shirt, £120, Foulard spot tie, £45, both Budd Shirtmakers. James wears navy Covert jacket as before; white poplin shirt, £95, Foulard spot tie, £45, both Budd Shirtmakers.

38 - The Cocktail Lovers

IN-style

London; cocktails, the script was practically written for us to do our styletender shoot at the London Cocktail Club. Exemplifying all that’s good about cocktails in the capital, JJ Goodman and James Hopkins’ bars embrace creativity, individuality and conviviality in everything from the drinks on the menu to the décor of the bars.

Not quite punk but definitely giving a cheeky nod and a wink in that direction, you’ll find tattoos on the walls of their subterranean rum parlour on Shaftesbury Avenue, while graffiti art adds a modern touch to their version of an old-fashioned gin palace situated on Goodge Street. There is another member of the family: the cosy enclave that is the Covent Garden Cocktail Club in Great Newport Street, Covent Garden. The styles may vary slightly but there are some consistencies. The main one is fun. These are good time bars with knobs on. Come prepared to party to everything from Salt n’ Pepa’s Push It, Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer and Grease Lightning.

Singing along is positively encouraged.

The drinks match the playful mood with gastromixology featuring heavily on the menu. Think bacon

and egg coupets (bourbon fat washed with smoked bacon, shaken with lemon, sugar and egg white), squid ink sours (where tequila meets squid ink, citrus juice, sugar and egg whites), or cheese and pineapple gele (pineapple, vanilla sugar, lime, egg yolk with cracked black pepper and chilli). If that little lot proves too much to get your head around, rest assured the LCC crew know their way around the classics.

We got them out of their customary jeans and T-shirts and eased them into a couple of ‘whistles’ (whistle and flute = suits), a nice bit of velvet and a couple of fancy frocks for the lady for the festive season ahead. We think you’ll agree, they scrub up pretty well.

GET THE BOYS ROUND (above): JJ wears navy double-breasted ¾ length coat, £449, PS

by Paul Smith, available at Fenwick; black merino wool polo neck sweater, £120, Jaeger. Andy wears aubergine velvet jacket, £520, Favourbrook; black merino wool polo neck sweater, £120, Jaeger; charcoal hurlingham check flat-fronted trousers, £250, Favourbrook.

The Cocktail Lovers - 39

IN-style

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“My top tips for making the most of London Cocktail Week are: Plan ahead. Book stuff online. Drink some water. Make sure you eat (we’ve partnered with Taste Card, free for every wristband wearer, to ensure there are great and reasonable eating options available in whichever part of London you’re in). Stay up late. Drink shots and toast 2012.”

For full programme details, see: www.londoncocktailweek.com.

We’ve changed the format this year to make the whole festival more accessible. So we’ve partnered with the Seven Dials area of Covent Garden. It’s so exciting to have the support of the people who actually own the roads and there’s so much to discover within the area.

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IN-formed

MAINS & MARTINIS

RESTAURANTS WHERE THE COCK TAILS ARE AS GOOD AS THE FOOD.

Wahaca

Beard To Tail

The Lyttelton

80 Wardour Street, W1F OTF. T: 020 7734 0195. www.wahaca.co.uk

77 Curtain Road, EC2A 3BS. T: 020 7739 4781. www.beardtotail.co.uk

Who: Eco-worriers with a penchant for tasty food.

Who: Fun-loving, cocktail-savvy carnivores.

The Stafford London by Kempinski, St. James’s Place, SW1A 1NJ. T: 020 7493 0111. www.kempinski.com/london

What: Mexican street food with a conscious from Thomasina Miers.

Why: It’s the culinary outpost of one of our favourite bars in the whole wide world, and winners of the Spirited Awards World’s Best Cocktail Menu, Callooh Callay.

Why: It’s ethical, affordable, buzzy, inclusive and fun.

When: Any time; no bookings required and the food arrives at your table speedily but when its ready – don’t go if ad hoc is not your style Wear: Something bright, playful and casual to blend in with the décor.

Ms S says: The music, food and colour here all say ‘Mexico’ in the most authentic accent, the only thing that’s missing is the heat. Hot dish: The taster dishes are amazing but my main choice of MSC ceviche salad with habanera salsa, avocado, cucumber and mint served in a tortilla bowl was zingingly-fresh and bursting with flavour. Cool cocktail: The Pink Grapefruit Margarita – subtly sour and 100% refreshing. Enjoy it at your table or try downstairs in the bar.

Mr G says: Wahaca takes Mexican street food and gives it a modern edge with fresh, tasty and ethical ingredients.

Hot dish: How could I resist trying a Cactus Taco – grilled cactus, courgette, cheese and guajillo oil? They call it “a must try” and I agree.

Cool cocktail: A classic Margarita was well made and perfectly balanced but it’s also worth checking out the nifty range of variations including mixed berry, mandarin and hibiscus.

46 - The Cocktail Lovers

What: Meat, meat, meat and cocktails.

When: Any time you’re in the mood for a fabulous meat fix, washed down with outrageously good cocktails.

Wear: Anything that looks like you haven’t tried too hard (but obviously you have).

Ms S says: Get your bookings in early, this cool little number is going to be the hottest thing this side of town. Whole joints of meat and jugs of Bloody Mary on the table make it a destination for a serious Sunday lunch. Hot dish: The Rumpy Pumpy. The cheekily named sharing dish consists of sweet, succulent dry-cured roasted pork rump and crackling, served with apple sauce – it truly is a cracker.

Cool cocktail: The Andy Warhol (cherry cola, Jack Daniels, Claytons Kola tonic, Cherry Heering and soda) – like cherry cola but soooo much better – be warned, it’s very, very moreish.

Mr G says: Some of the best cocktails you’re ever likely to try, delivered in carnivore heaven. Hot dish: Pigs trotters with sage and apricot stuffing, served with pickled red cabbage. Need I say more? Cool cocktail: Beard To Tail Julep (Southern Comfort 100, Woodford Reserve, Beard to Tail peach and cinnamon jam, mint and Briottet apricot liqueur) – strong but seriously smooth.

Who: Anyone who’s in on the secret.

What: Delightfully grown up restaurant with adjoining American Bar (above, tucked off the beaten track.

Why: It’s like having dinner in your posh friend’s living room.

When: You’re in the mood for a touch of uptown glamour without the frills, frippery or faff.

Wear: Casual-smart veering to the smart end of things.

Ms S says: Surprisingly well-priced and relaxed considering the grand setting.

Hot dish: The wheat-fed English guinea fowl, salad of watercress, crispy bacon and rocket with mustard dressing (£19.50), was absolutely stunning – this is gourmet food at little more than gastro pub prices.

Cool cocktail: With only three cocktails on the menu, the choice is pretty much made for you. I went for the gin Martini, expertly made with No. 3 gin, produced

by Berry Bros & Rudd down the road.

Mr G says: Pleasantly old school but pleasingly informal with an ever-soslightly private club vibe. Hot dish: Mixed Grill of Fish - salmon, monkfish, mackerel, scallops and prawns with tomato and chervil hollandaise (£20.50). Simple but perfectly prepared. Cool cocktail: I went for a thirst quenching big boy’s version of Pimm’s served in a pint mug. Good quality, very generous quantity.

IN-formed

WORD UP...

NEWS, VIEWS, REVIEWS AND HOW-TOS

HOW TO… Buy wine.

How much should you expect to pay for a ‘good’ entry-level wine?

The price depends on your budget. Entry level can mean different things to different people. We sell very good wines at every level and our Berrys’ Own Selection range represents the best wines in their class. For example, Berrys’ White Burgundy is very consistent and reliable, it’s dry, but not pungent, and has great freshness. Berrys’ Extra Ordinary Claret is just £13.65 per bottle and it’s fantastic!

What are the key characteristics to look out for?

Start with your budget and then look to producers creating great wines year in year out. Consider your taste and what you like to drink and take the advice of your wine merchant about which wines are drinking now.

How should you drink it?

Ask yourself if you will be drinking the wine on its own or with food.

Have patience and allow the wine to develop, you can’t expect to open a bottle of wine, pour it and drink it straight away. See how the wine develops and take your time.

Francis Huicq, London Shop Manager, Berry Bros & Rudd, 3 St. James’s Street, SW1A 1EG. T: 0800 280 2440. www.bbr.com.

Think Pink

Lemon twists are so last season, why not try these two simple but elegant serves, both given extra ‘zing’ with a touch of pink grapefruit instead?

Belvedere and Tonic 50ml Belvedere vodka Top with Fever-Tree tonic water Squeeze of pink grapefruit Method: Build ingredients over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with pink grapefruit wedge.

Baltic Breeze 40ml Belvedere vodka 15ml almond syrup 15ml lemon juice 25ml pink grapefruit juice Method: Shake all ingredients with ice.

Pour over fresh cubed ice in a goblet.

Top with Fever-Tree tonic water.

Garnish with a pink grapefruit wedge.

48 - The Cocktail Lovers

The

Cocktail

Girl

In pursuit of spiritual enlightenment in London’s bars Fancy your dessert in cocktail form? Then check out Golden Bee. Located at the top end of Old Street, this recently opened bar is spread over two levels: one, a cool after work hangout on the first floor, the other, one of the best rooftop destinations in central London.

My companion and I took advantage of the mild weather and sat outside, taking in the views over Shoreditch. The huge decked space is made up of several cosy alcoves, perfect for dates and small parties. We started with a couple of tall drinks – a delicious and perfectly balanced Apple Crumble for me (spiced rum, apple juice and cinnamon) and the unbelievably exciting Made in Old Street for her (Haribo-infused vodka, mango juice and blue curaçao topped with real Haribo sweets). We looked on in child-like wonder as this particular concoction was created and may or may not have burst into spontaneous applause when the Haribos made their debut.

MUSIC TO DRINK COCKTAILS TO...

The Style Council, Café Bleu

A great cocktail is the sum of its parts. The way it looks, its aroma and the main event – taste and effect. And if we’re lucky the memory lingers. Listening to Café Bleu by The Style Council is a similar experience.

The look comes in a stylised 1960s cover showing an impeccably dressed Mick Talbot and Paul Weller portraying cool Europeans going about their business in Paris. Aroma is provided by the fact the true essence of this album is best appreciated in vinyl format with its evocative scent. The main event is the songs and their effect.

The tracks make for an elegant mix of jazz and soul-pop which is both uplifting and melancholic. The Paris Match is haunting, My Ever Changing Moods is dramatic, while You’re the Best Thing and Headstart for Happiness are beautifully joyous. And interspersed throughout are a handful of energetic and energising jazzy instrumentals.

Listen along with a little Pastis and be left with lingering memories of many moods. Sometimes sad, sometimes euphoric, but always lifeaffirming, every listen of Café Bleu gives us a headstart for happiness.

Polydor Records. Available on www.amazon.co.uk.

ONE FOR THE DIARY

Our second round was equally thrilling. My guest opted for the Strawberry Cheesecake Martini (vodka, fresh cream, Amaretto and fresh strawberries), while I threw caution to the wind and ordered the Nutella Martini (vanilla vodka, cream, Nutella and dark cacao liqueur topped with a cookie) which I can only compare to being French-kissed by a boozy chocolate angel. Calorie-conscious these drinks are not.

Golden Bee is a good place to have in your repertoire of Old Street bars and definitely stands out thanks to its outdoor space and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory style cocktails. Do check out the rooftop – even in the winter, just remember that making it down two flights of a metal spiral staircase after a couple of Martinis is probably not the easiest mission to accomplish. You have been warned.

Open Tues & Wed 4pm-midnight; Thurs 4pm-2am; Fri & Sat 4pm-3am.

Golden Bee, Singer Street entrance, EC1V 9DD. T: 020 7253 1110. www.goldenbee.co.uk.

DID YOU

KNOW?

4th October is National Vodka Day 8th November is National Harvey Wallbanger Day 24th December is National Eggnog Day

NOTABLE NIBBLES

Cashews, almonds and macadamias seasoned with oak-smoked sea salt and black truffle: sounds fancy, taste absolutely delicious. Add them to your drinks party must-haves and serve alongside a Black Moth truffle vodka Martini.

Oak Smoked Sea Salt & Black Truffle Nuts, £3.99, Marks & Spencer. www.marksandspencer. com; Black Moth truffle vodka, £34, www.blackmothvodka.com.

Join us for an evening of Rhythm & Booze on 14th November.

We’ll be guiding you through a whistlestop tour of bourbon-based cocktails while talented guitarist Oliver Darling plays bluesy tunes to accompany. The £10 ticket price includes three cocktails, nibbles and entertainment.

6-7.30pm. The Blues Kitchen, 111-113 Camden High Street, NW1 7JN. Book at: www.thecocktaillovers.com.

The Cocktail Lovers - 49

IN-formed

LAST ORDERS

HOW TO… TURN TAP WATER INTO SOMETHING SEXY Add a Sodastream Night Spirit Genesis drinks maker to your Christmas wish list et voila, up to 12 litres of fizzy mixers and nonalcoholic cocktails – all yours at the push of a button.

Holly Penfield Holly Penfield is a luminary on the London jazz cabaret scene and was trained by the same vocal coach as Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. She began her career singing Burt Bacharach songs at a topless nightclub in San Francisco. We asked the saucy chanteuse to share her perfect last drink with us.

www.sodastream.com.

COMPETITION...

What would it be?

“My last drink would have to be a Sweet Manhattan, shaken, on the rocks, very chilled with a cherry lingering about for me to play with.”

Where would it be?

“Aside from the Beaufort Bar where I sing all the time, I would have to be drinking this yummy sensation while sitting in Cliff House in San Francisco, overlooking the Pacific Ocean as the sun sets in a grand and inspiring fashion.”

Who would you drink it with?

“With the fireplace roaring and my heart soaring, my drinking partner would have to be my 95-year-old father who is the most interesting man I know. He’ll always have time for one more story and room for one more vodka Martini (Grey Goose of course; one olive). He’ll be featured in the Burlesque night on 7th October.”

You can see Holly performing in the Beaufort Bar at The Savoy every Thursday and at the Cabaret and Burlesque Evenings on 7th October, 4th November, 2nd December.

Tickets cost £25 each and can be booked on 020 7420 2111 or email: savoy@fairmont.com.

ONE FOR THE DRINKS CABINET Salvatore Calabrese Di Maiori Liquore Di Limoni.

Made from the finest Amalfi lemons from Maiori, and cognac, the most noble of spirits, this new lemon liqueur by ‘The Maestro’ Salvatore Calabrese can be drunk at room temperature, on the rocks or frozen.

He says it will be “the best lemon liqueur in the world.”

And do you know what? We believe him.

Available from Gerry’s (p. 24), priced approximately £25.

50 - The Cocktail Lovers

Win a one-hour cocktail masterclass in a five-star hotel and a bottle of Yamazaki 12 year-old single malt whisky Perfect your cocktail-making skills at an exclusive one-toone tutorial with bar expert Zoran Peric. Taking place in the sumptuous setting of the Bassoon Bar in the Corinthia Hotel, London, you’ll be guided through the secrets of making classic and contemporary cocktails using the smooth, floral Suntory Japanese single malts including Yamazaki and Hakushu 12 year-olds and blended whiskies such as Hibiki 17 year-old. In addition to your masterclass, the winner will receive a bottle of award-winning Yamazaki 12 year-old whisky distilled by Suntory at the confluence of three rivers south of Kyoto.

Q

To enter, please answer the question: Near which big city is Yamazaki single malt whisky distilled?

Send your entry to www.thecocktaillovers.com/contact-us.

The winner will be notified by e-mail on 30 October. You must be over 18 to enter. Masterclass dates to be taken before end of November 2012.

IN-sider’s Guide

With MOJO winning both People’s Choice Award alongside Best Good Times Bar at the UK bar industry Class awards last year, the cocktail scene in Leeds is definitely worth seeking out.

Its bar manager Sam Fish tell us why We’ve got Oporto on Call Lane and MOJO, my place of work over on Merrion Street, to thank for the birth of Leeds’ cocktail scene. Since the two bars burst onto the scene at separate ends of town in 1996, their reputation for serving great drinks and generally showing the people of Leeds a good time has been a benchmark for all the bars that have since opened in the area.

Bar Missoni 52 - The Cocktail Lovers

This includes Oporto’s younger sister, Jake’s Bar and Still Room, opened in 2004 by the legend that is Jake Burger (who ditched us for the bright lights of London to captain the good ship Portobello Star in Notting Hill). Now being expertly run by Ricardo Dynan and his award-winning team, the bar has recently installed Tabitha, a 30-litre copper pot still which has allowed the guys to turn their attention to becoming master distillers. Ricardo has even created his own coffee distillate (Nino Brown Coffee Liqueur) which is available to buy at the bar. Check the chalkboard for details of their latest offerings.

IN-sider’s Guide

Another member of the Jake’s/Oporto family is the recently opened tequila bar and general place of debauchery Neon Cactus. Its bartenders, including Dan Andrews, Amanda Nowicki and Paul Gillan, are all on hand to talk you through the extensive selection of tequilas as well as advising on the small but perfectly formed cocktail menu which features excellent tequila twists on classic favourites such as the Negroni.

Molecular mixology has also found its way to Leeds with the opening of VINeataly, an Italian wine bar situated in the Granary Wharf district of town. The bartenders here really know their stuff when it comes to the weird and wonderful side of mixed drinks and have a great attitude to boot. If you venture uptown however, you’ll find more classic cocktail styles. Ranging from the ‘vinyl only’ playing Wax Bar and Jukejoint where bartender Lee Jones has created a simple, original cocktail menu based on seasonal ingredients, homemade purees and interesting liqueurs, to the Nicaraguan inspired Sandinista, which is a safe bet if you’re hankering after a great Mai Tai or Margarita.

Creating original cocktails is high on the agenda for the majority of bartenders in Leeds and many have gone on to impress in some of the most prestigious cocktail competitions around. Most recently Dave West, Clare Morro and Dan Ayton – all from Leeds – came together as Team North-East in the 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup UK Final; Jake’s Bar finished second in the Gosling Bermuda Day competition, and I was fortunate enough to find myself representing Leeds in the final seven at this year’s Bacardi Legacy competition. And there’s plenty more in store with new faces such as Mike Foster from New Orleans style blues bar Smokestack, Adam Wilson from MOJO and Danny Schofield from Jake’s all tipped for future greatness.

At MOJO we recently celebrated our 16th birthday with a Sweet 16 party, our first birthday party since 2006.

That year also saw the opening of the Rhum Room on the first floor, half homage to our sister bar in Barbados and half self-indulgent play room for owner and rum lover Mal Evans. Bars in Manchester and Liverpool have since followed, each taking the MOJO values but respecting that each city and its people very much have their own identity.

Clockwise from top left: Sandinista; MOJO booth, and bar

And what is our identity? Leeds doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s one of the things I love most about this city. The bartenders are serious about their trade, but know that first and foremost they’re working to make sure their customers have a great night out. That’s why Leeds hits the proverbial nail on the head for me, every single time!

Jake’s Bar and Still Room, 29 Call Lane, LS1 7BT. T: 0113 243 1110. www.jakesbar.co.uk.

MOJO, 18 Merrion Street, LS1 6PQ. T: 0845 611 8643. www.mojobar.co.uk.

Neon Cactus, 35 Call Lane, LS1 7BT. T: 0113 245 8400. www.neoncactus.co.uk.

Oporto, 33 Call Lane, LS1 7BT. T: 0113 245 4444. www.oportobar.co.uk.

Sandinista, 5-5a Cross Belgrave Street, LS2 8JP. T: 0113 305 0372. www.sandinista.co.uk.

Creating original cocktails is high on the agenda for the majority of bartenders on Leeds and many have gone on to impress in some of the most prestigious cocktail competitions around.

Smokestack, 159a Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY. T: 0113 245 2222. www.smokestackleeds.co.uk.

VINeataly, Granary Wharf, LS1 4BR. T: 0113 243 0090. www.vineataly.com.

Wax Bar and Jukejoint, 20 New Briggate, LS1 6NU. T: 0113 242 9442.

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IN-vite only

SNAPSHOT:

Pictures from the hottest events, competitions and openings in the last three months

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1. Mariella Frostrup at the Gordon’s Ten Green Bottles limited-edition collection launch party. One Marylebone, London.

September 2012.

4. Gizzi Erskine and Miquita Oliver at Paradise by Way of Kensal Green fifth birthday party. Kensal Green, London.

September 2012.

7. Terry Cashman and Alex Clark, twothirds of Team East London, winners of 42Below Cocktail World Cup UK Final.

Floripa, London. August 2012.

2. Warren Brown, Jason Statham, Stephen Graham at the Expendables launch party sponsored by Ciroc. Hippodrome Casino. London. August 2012.

5. Olympic fun, rum and games at Puma Yard, courtesy of Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum. Truman Brewery, London. July-August 2012.

8. James Passmore and Jamie Jones, joint winners of the Grand Marnier Sunset Hour Cocktail Competition. Skylounge, London. September 2012.

3. Dermot O’Leary, winner of the Tanqueray Most Stylish Man of the Year award, GQ Awards. Royal Opera House, London. September 2012.

6. Amber Lebon, Laura Bailey and Amanda Ferry at Paradise by Way of Kensal Green fifth birthday party. Kensal Green, London. September 2012.

9. Joy Spence, launches Appleton Estate limited-edition, 50 year-old rum to mark Jamaica’s independence. Hix Belgravia, London. September 2012.

58 - The Cocktail Lovers