The Salt and Vinegar Martini at the National Portrait Gallery

If you’re in London, it’s time to visit the National Portrait Gallery. Even if you’ve been before, it’s had a refresh. And while you’re there, it would be rude not to pop upstairs for a meal and a drink at the rooftop restaurant, The Portrait. The Venue Richard Corrigan’s brasserie reopened in July after a refurbishment and it’s got a very tempting menu. One of … Continue reading The Salt and Vinegar Martini at the National Portrait Gallery

Hebridean Blue Cheese

This is a delicious, sharp but creamy cheese that goes really nicely with a martini. The Hebrides are a beautiful – if wet – constellation of islands located off the west coast of Scotland. One of these islands is the Isle of Mull, which like many places in this part of the world, has a wealth of culinary produce. Much of this produce goes exceedingly … Continue reading Hebridean Blue Cheese

Mini Onigiri to serve with Martinis

Onigiri are like a Japanese equivalent of a sandwich, consisting of rice, mixed with certain ingredients and then shaped, often into triangles. They can last up to three days (although this can depend on the ingredients and amount of salt and they are usually best eaten within 24 hours). They are often used in packed lunches or eaten at picnics. They are satisfying, tasty and … Continue reading Mini Onigiri to serve with Martinis

A Martini with Caorunn Gin

This is another high quality Scottish gin. It’s made in Balmenach, a distillery located in the whisky heartlands of Speyside. The flavour profile is unusual and refreshing, with locally foraged botanicals including rowan berries and heather. It also contains bog myrtle, which stood out in particular for me, giving it a flavour reminiscent of Swedish akvavit. The gin is distilled in small batches in a … Continue reading A Martini with Caorunn Gin