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

The London Bar at Gatwick Airport

I had to fly last minute from London to Glasgow. I was in Gatwick South terminal on a Saturday night. I had come through security but I hadn’t had dinner or a much needed martini. So off I went in search of something to quench my thirst. The expensive caviar bar downstairs in the south terminal sadly doesn’t do martinis, although it has some exquisite … Continue reading The London Bar at Gatwick Airport

The Tsukemono Gibson Martini

“Tsukemono Gibson sounds like some sort of Bond Girl.” This is a very simple variation on the classic, elegant Gibson Martini. The only difference is that instead of a pickled onion garnish I’m using a gentler, more subtle addition: Japanese Tsukemono pickles.   I served a Gibson martini with Tsukemono as an accompaniment once which is what gave me the idea These pickles are easy to make (recipe … Continue reading The Tsukemono Gibson Martini

Bar Arabica, Borough Market, 2/5

A relatively pleasant martini was let down by bad service and poor value for money.   It wouldn’t take much to perfect their martini but some of the fundamentally poor elements of the restaurant will be more difficult to rectify.    Nestled under a railway arch in Borough Market, I had high hopes for this Levantine restaurant. However, the service wasn’t particularly attentive, the portions … Continue reading Bar Arabica, Borough Market, 2/5