Author: themartinisocialist

Posts, Venues

Upstairs at the Ten Bells of Spittalfields (London) 4/5

The Ten Bells is one of my favourite pubs in the Shoreditch/City of London area. Victims of Jack the Ripper are reputed to have had their last drink in the establishment, whereas today it is frequented by a horde of almost-hipsters and occasional tourists, and it’s not clear which is more frightening. What it lacks in clientele, however, it makes up for with an interesting … Continue reading Upstairs at the Ten Bells of Spittalfields (London) 4/5

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Time to choose…

If you drink a martini with someone you have around 30-40 minutes to relax and sink into gradual inebriation with that person, bonding with them whilst having the opportunity to share some conversation, ranging from light laughs to some potentially profound life stories. It is a crucial, perhaps pivotal aspect of the drink. Picking your company can therefore be as important as selecting the brand … Continue reading Time to choose…

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Posts, Venues

Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green 4/5

   This is possibly the best value for money martini in London, served in a trendy, speakeasy setting in Bethnal Green. A consummate cocktail bar, the staff pay particular attention to the quality of their martini, keeping the gin and glasses in the freezer. This is much more than can be said of most cocktail establishments serving martinis in the city, which frequently seem to … Continue reading Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green 4/5

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Recent martinis for World Gin Day

Just an assortment… A classic at home. My favourite non-classic: the Japanese pickled ginger martini. A dry classic martini at a French restaurant in Soho, London. A green tea martini. A sexy Gibson martini. My auntie has two gorgeous dogs. Here’s one of them looking somewhat morosely at Dad’s empty martini glass. And here is the other one. Happiness is drinking a martini with a … Continue reading Recent martinis for World Gin Day

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A martini for weekend introverts

Have you had a long week at work? Instead of hitting the pub or attending ‘junipaluza’ in London, do you feel more inclined to stay indoors and unwind in solitude? E.B White described martinis as “the elixir of quietude” so they are absolutely perfect for relaxing at home in peace rather than going crazy on the town.    So, as a suggestion, pour yourself a … Continue reading A martini for weekend introverts

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Grain, Martini Food, Nuts, Posts, Vegan

Egyptian Duqqah to accompany a martini

This is a simple snack item consisting of ground nuts, herbs and spices served with bread and some good quality oil. I’ve always been drawn to Egypt, old and new. It’s such a fascinating country with both grand and tumultuous history and I am delighted to include it in my blog with a contribution to the martini world. I wanted to write about duqqah, which … Continue reading Egyptian Duqqah to accompany a martini

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Fish, Martini Food, Posts

Salmon tartare canapés

Olives are the nibble most closely associated with martinis but I always think that seafood is one of the best matches. It’s fresh, cold and goes well with citrus, just like a good martini. Consuming seafood also brings its own element of danger (food poisoning? Mercury?), much like the danger associated with drinking a strong martini. So here is a simple and easy recipe for … Continue reading Salmon tartare canapés

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