If you’re in London, treat yourself. It’s not that expensive and you’re guaranteed a good quality cocktail in an excellent setting. This is a lovely bar in a wonderful, all-welcoming part of London. The brutalist Southbank Centre with its grand but minimalist polished concrete slabs enjoys a wonderfully soft form of acoustics. The diverse array of visitors range from pondering thespians to the philosophical … Continue reading The Skylon Bar, London 4.5/5
A trendy-gritty burger bar with a creative menu and sinful atmosphere. A sister of Meat Liquor, MEATMission excels at ‘the dirty burger’ concept. Expect greasy, gluttonous, satisfying burgers in good quality buns (or wrapped in lettuce if requested) to the backdrop of dark decor and an imposing musical selection (you might find it too noisy but I enjoyed it). Their drink selection is also … Continue reading MEATMission in Hoxton
“Great cocktails, no wallies.” A dreamy basement cocktail bar in central London with attentive, knowledgeable staff. The low level lighting is sublime but it means that my photos are a bit rubbish. Just trust me and pay them a visit if you’re anywhere near Hoxton square in London. A classic martini wasn’t even on the menu – they have a wide range of other … Continue reading Happiness Forgets in Hoxton 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
While I first made this during the winter, I think it will make a better summer cocktail. It involves a similar preparation technique to the Lemon Drop Martini with Foam but uses Earl Grey infused gin as an additional ingredient. Leave out the egg white and the frothing process in this recipe if you want a simpler drink. For two martinis you will need: * … Continue reading The Lemon Iced Tea Martini with Foam
I’ve been wanting to do this one for a while, but I have to admit it’s been a bit of a challenge. But I take heart that even Heston Blumenthal has been having difficulties with the concoction, so I have persevered. In theory, the delicate citrus tones of this tea should go perfectly with a gin martini, garnished with a freshly peeled strip of lemon, … Continue reading Earl Grey infused gin
Get ready for winter with this ice-cold Japanese-Russian-British infusion. If Moscow cuts off Europe’s gas supplies this is how to stay warm! I love gari (Japanese pickled ginger) and wanted to incorporate it into a drink for ages. Similar to making Limoncello the aim is to infuse clear spirit and add it to a classic martini. Take 1 small pile of gari slices (as in … Continue reading The Japanese Pickled Ginger Martini
This is a crowd pleaser. Winston Churchill was one of the world’s greatest war-time political leaders. He was also a martini drinker. We can thank both him and the classic drink for leading the fight against fascism. “I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me” What should be noted is that Churchill liked his martinis to be somewhat … Continue reading The Churchill Martini
Remember the Rosemary Martini I made the other day? I experimented slightly last night and have subsequently come up with a Version Two. Using the rosemary-infused gin/vodka from the same recipe, put together the martini using the following proportions: 1 part (or to taste) sweet vermouth 1 part rosemary gin/vodka 4 parts normal chilled gin/vodka It’s more subtle than the full blown rosemary martini but … Continue reading Rosemary’s Baby martini – not as terrifying as it sounds
The Martini Socialist 