The Saffron Martini
This one is a real treat of colour. A martini made with saffron is beautiful to look at, with interesting, subtle botanicals. But what you would expect if you take the rarest, most expensive spice and infuse it into the most elegant of drinks? Note that you can also buy very high quality saffron gin ready made here. I cannot claim credit for the original recipe. … Continue reading The Saffron Martini
A Martini with Crushed Oyster Shell
I drifted into borough market the other day and found myself standing in front of a fishmonger’s counter staring at all the produce. I couldn’t leave empty handed and suddenly felt a craving for salty, briny oysters so I bought a handful.I’ve made a martini with oysters before (you can see the blog post here). This time, though, I was inspired by a story I’d … Continue reading A Martini with Crushed Oyster Shell
A Martini at Yumi, Soho, 4/5
I don’t want to recommend this restaurant. It’s lovely, tasty, friendly and authentic: the perfect Izakaya in a London setting. But when I visited, it was rather quiet. And I loved it. Located in the heart of London’s theatre district, I expected it to be mobbed on a Saturday evening, but there were no other diners when we arrived. We had the undivided attention of … Continue reading A Martini at Yumi, Soho, 4/5
A Martini with Nori Seaweed
A tasty, healthy accompaniment for a martini Continue reading A Martini with Nori Seaweed
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier… Drunk
Who would serve a jug or pitcher of martini at a party? Oh wait, only Kim Philby, one of Britain’s most notorious traitors. I’ve just read a book entitled “a spy among friends” by Ben MacIntyre. It was the first book I’ve read in a long time that I struggled to put down. It documents the story of Harold ‘Kim’ Philby as he worked his … Continue reading Tinker, Tailor, Soldier… Drunk
How to make an Old Fashioned Cocktail
This is a slight departure from my normal work, but I’ve got a cold and was craving something less potent and more sweet and fruity than a martini. Enter the Old Fashioned cocktail. Apparently emerging in the early 1800s (it might even have evolved towards the late 1700s), this drink is a lot older than a Martini. It also has a reputation for being … Continue reading How to make an Old Fashioned Cocktail
Hazelnut snacks
Hazelnuts have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. I am currently on the Island of Mull in the Hebrides. On the nearby island of Colonsay evidence suggests that local residents were consuming large amounts of the nut in 7000BC. The Hebrides can often feel very far from civilisation so the fact that people living here enjoyed this tasty snack several millennia before … Continue reading Hazelnut snacks
The Henri Toulouse Lautrec in Kennington
The Henri Toulouse Lautrec is no ordinary venue. People travel here from all over the world for its live music performances. It also serves fantastic food. However – the martinis do not hit the mark just yet, but with a little re-adjustment this place could be a cocktail bar with real punch – a Moulin Rouge of south London. I would struggle to … Continue reading The Henri Toulouse Lautrec in Kennington
The Foxlow in Balham 4/5
My friend invited me out to lunch at the Foxlow Restaurant just around the corner from Balham tube station in south London. The decor has a 1970s Scandinavian feel to it, with lots of wood and chunky fixtures that say practicality as well as style. The staff were also helpful, friendly and knowledgable. The food menu is unpretentious comfort food – but of very high … Continue reading The Foxlow in Balham 4/5
A Martini made with Absinthe
“Oh god… is my face melting?” I didn’t invent this one. Some other crazy person did. What’s more, it’s evidently been ordered and drunk often enough to have earned itself a name: the Mystic Martini. Absinthe is typically 45-74% ABV and therefore highly potent. Invented in Switzerland, its alleged psychoactive properties led to its prohibition in many countries for decades, before decriminalisation led … Continue reading A Martini made with Absinthe
The Martini Socialist 