The Cocktail Lovers Magazine Issue 3 Spring 2012

ON THE COVER...

Turning on the glamour at The Beaufort Bar

Martinis at the movies Take your seat at the plushest cinemas in town

The Best of British Flying the flag for the best British cocktail ingredients

Shake it baby!

How to mix things up in style

+25

REASONS TO BE A COCKTAIL LOVER THIS SEASON.

TANQUERAY® No. TEN™ has a crisp and smooth finish with refreshing citrus flavours. The distinctive flavour profile is created by the citrus heart, which is added to a small pot still, the ‘Tiny 10’, during the fifth distillation.

TANQUERAY® No. TEN™ was launched in 2000 and was voted the best among all white spirits for three years running at the San Francisco International Spirits Awards. Inducted into the World Spirits Hall of Fame.

The TANQUERAY and TANQUERAY No. TEN words and associated logos are trade marks. © Charles Tanqueray & Co. 2012.

IN-tro

IS IT JUST US OR IS EVERONE

FEELING THE

GLAMOUR

VIBE THIS SEASON?

With Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby due for release at the end of the year and Johnny Depp taking on the role of the most stylish Martini drinker on celluloid, Nick Charles in The Thin Man, it’s only a matter of time before we’re all holding court at the bar in cocktail dresses and dapper suits.

Take your lead from Chris Moore, Gaby Moncada Pena and JeanBaptiste Duroc-Danner from The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy. In keeping with the sumptuous setting of their place of work, they show you how to carry off modern day elegance to perfection (p. 26).

There’s more on the glamour front as we talk to industry legend Peter Dorelli about tending to the stars (p. 32), highlight the growing trend for plush cinemas (p. 12) and check out a selection of snazzy shakers (p. 24).

We do slip into casual mode though. In fact, we put forward our cases for frequenting uptown versus downtown bars (p. 18), as well as pushing our trolley around the drinks aisle in the supermarket (p. 20). We also big up the best of British drinks ingredients (p. 14), have fun profiling four distinct cocktail personalities (p. 22), while our columnist Rebekkah Dooley puts her questions to author, bartender and all round top bloke, Gaz Regan (p. 10).

There’s also travel, food and recipes, plus 25 things on our radar for the next few months. Here’s to a summer of fun.

Cheers!

Ms S and Mr G

The Cocktail Lovers - 3

THE WORLD’S MOST AWARDED RUM RANGE The Gold Standard of Rum

Angostura’s premium rum range picked up a total of 7 gold medals at the Rum Masters Competition 2012, in the categories of Tasting and Design and Packaging.

But the story doesn’t end there... over the past 7 years our rums have received top honours around the globe, earning the title of the World’s Most Awarded Rum Range.

IN-gredients

6. IN-the know

26. IN-style

48. IN-vitation only

25 reasons to be a cocktail lover this season Keeping Sundays sacred, cooking with bitters, getting ahead with a hat and 22 other things we’ll be doing in the next three months

Get the drinks in at…

The Beaufort Bar Chris Moore, Gaby Moncada Pena and Jean-Baptiste Duroc-Danner turn on the glamour at The Savoy

Snapshot Pictures from our favourite parties, competitions and events from the past three months

10. IN-the hot seat Gaz Regan The drinks creator, author, educator and all round ardent spirit talks favourite smells, first loves and things that wake him up in the morning

12. IN-the spotlight Cocktails at the cinema Where to enjoy magical moments at the movies whilst sipping an ice-cold Martini

14. IN-spire The Best of British Flying the flag for the best British cocktail ingredients

18. IN-focus Uptown vs. downtown Five-star hotel bars in the West or funky independents in the East, which gets your vote in The Cocktail Lovers debate?

20. IN-focus Supermarket sweep For proof that cocktails are big business, look no further than the supermarket shelves

22. IN-focus Which cocktail personality are you?

We identify four key cocktail types – which one sums you up?

24. IN-dulge Shake it baby!

How to mix things up in style

32. IN-dustry greats Peter Dorelli: Living legend Fifty years in the business and still going strong, Peter Dorelli gives his views on the world of cocktails, past and present

35. IN-the mix This season it’s all about… gin Raise your glasses to Her Majesty’s favourite tipple

37. IN-formed Mains and Martinis Restaurants where the cocktails are as good as the food

38. IN-formed Word Up Last orders from Bompass & Parr; music for cocktails from The Rat Pack, goodies from Gin Monkey and The Cocktail Girl is smitten with The London Cocktail Club

40. IN-dependent spirits What Kammerling did next The former bartender and brand ambassador is on a mission – to make us all healthier drinkers with his herbaceous spirit

42. IN-sider’s guide Great Scot!

World Class UK 2011 winner Jamie MacDonald takes us to his favourite eating and drinking spots in his hometown, Edinburgh

44. IN-ternational Paris Fall in love with cocktails in the city of romance

On the cover: Gaby Moncada Pena wears black halter neck jumpsuit, £360, Jaeger Black at Jaeger; Crystal Lips head piece, £260 by Emma Fielden; Opal pearl and crystal bracelet, £260 by Erasmus Sophia, available from Elizabeth Galton Studio. Stockist details, p. 31 Editors Sandrae Lawrence, Gary Sharpen Contributors Forest Collins, Rebekkah Dooley, Wilfred Jones, Jamie Macdonald, Susannah O’Grady, Lauryn Tomlinson Art Director James Cheverton at Burnt Studio www.burntstudio.com Photography Johnnie Pakington www.johnniepakington.com With thanks to: Natalia Condroy, Duncan Green, Julien LaFond, Gregory Messaoudi, Brett Perkins, Travis Watson.

For all editorial and advertising enquiries, please contact: mail@thecocktaillovers.com 020 7242 2546 07801 932 941/07816 202 547 www.thecocktaillovers.com Reproduction in whole or part of any contents of The Cocktail Lovers magazine without prior permission from the editors is strictly prohibited.

Issue No. 3 April–July 2012 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

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The Cocktail Lovers - 5

25

REASONS TO BE A COCKTAIL LOVER THIS SEASON. Cooking with bitters, packing a punch and going for the burn with fiery chilli vodka, just a few things to keep us busy in the next few months

one Taking inspiration from the catwalk‌

6 - The Cocktail Lovers

www.albertaferretti.com

come on, those gorgeous flapper-style dresses from Gucci, Roberto Cavalli and Alberta Ferretti are just begging to be accessorised with a Classic Dry Martini.

02 06

IN-the know

www.brooksbrothers.com

…DITTO THE SMARTAS-YOU-LIKE GREAT GATSBY-ESQUE FASHIONS FOR MEN.

Creating old-school desserts…

03

SHOWING OFF OUR ARTY SIDE…

taking herbs, juices, petals – in fact anything that captures our imagination, and making fancy ice balls to add personality to pitchers and punches. Available from www.divertimenti.co.uk.

GETTING HIP WITH A FLASK… we’ll be decanting our favourite tipples into a stylish hip flask ready for impromptu picnics. Try Pickett, www.pickett.co.uk

waking up and shaking up a host of dishes with just a few drops of Angostura Bitters.

Check out the new book The Taste That Changed The World, available from www.amazon.com.

5

GOING FOR FLOWER POWER...

by adding a touch of rose syrup here, and a dash of hibiscus syrup there in honour of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show from 22-26 May. Syrups available from Monin.

Visit www.b-opie.com for stockists.

Zoning in on citrus…

www.jaeger.co.uk

04

Cooking with bitters…

SEVEN

think jellies with added ‘oomph’.

Soften 4 leaves of gelatine in cold water, squeeze and discard excess water. Add 100ml of pink Champagne to a bowl placed over boiling water. Mix in the gelatine leaves and 55g of caster sugar and heat slowly. Add another 250ml of Champagne and 150g of fresh red fruit. Pour into moulds and leave to set. Moulds available from www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk.

08

another spring/summer 2012 trend that unites cocktails and fashion.

If twists of orange and lemon don’t suit your skin tone, add them to your glass instead

The Cocktail Lovers - 7

09 DEVELOPING A TASTE FOR TOBACCO... not inhaling though, we prefer ours in a glass. Try the delicious Perique Tobacco Liqueur by Jade Liqueurs or go for The Dalmore’s heady Cigar Malt Reserve. Both available from www.thewhiskyexchange.com.

Seeking out boozy chocolates…

12

13.

we’re loving the new Charbonnel et Walker truffles laced with Appleton rum. Goodbye Lent, hello indulgence of the tastiest kind. www.charbonnel.co.uk.

CREATING OUR OWN SCOTCH…

by choosing precise measurements of seven styles of whisky, then bottling and labelling it, all from the comfort of our armchair. Go play Master Blender at www.whiskyblender.com.

10. PERKING UP OUR TOAST...

with the super-tangy, über tasty Cuban ‘Mojito’ Breakfast marmalade made with chunks of lime, mint and a nice tot of rum, from www.thepickledvillage.com.

11

14 Smelling of alcohol…

SIXTEEN

in the nicest possible way, of course. We’ll be spritzing ourselves with L’Humaniste, a bracing blend of juniper, lemon, tonka bean, bergamot and thyme, from Cognac makers Frapin. Available from www.lessenteurs.com.

15.

Getting ahead with a haT... with all those seasonal events, including Royal Ascot, Cartier International Polo, Goodwood and the Henley Royal Regatta coming up, it would be rude not to. Take your pick from the stunning collection at www.hat-gallery.co.uk.

8 - The Cocktail Lovers

CELEBRATING THE BANK HOLIDAYS… between April and July we have five, count them, five official days off in the UK. That’s reason enough to crack open the gin…

KEEPING SUNDAYS SACRED... and worshipping the Sunday Bloody Sundays menu at The Paradise By Way of Kensal Green.

As well as D.I.Y. Bloody Mary’s at your table, specials include Bloody Mary meatballs and fillet of halibut with Bloody Mary sauce. Oh yes! www.theparadise.co.uk.

17

Investing in sexy glassware… to improve the taste of our wine and add the wow factor to our dinner table. We’ve fallen for the lush new goblets from Baccarat. www.baccarat.com.

20

Keeping meticulous notes… of our cocktail consumption in the sleek ‘ Brunches, Lunches, Suppers, Dinners’ notebook from Smythson. www.smythson.com.

18. STEEPING SPECIALITY TEAS… and adding them to cocktails. Seek out the fabulous selection championed by the Rare Tea Lady, Henrietta Lovell at www.rareteacompany.com.

SPRING 23 CLEANING OUR HOME BAR... and making way for the new essential bar tools from the Modern Mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim. www.themodernmixologist.com, available from May.

24.WEARING OUR ART ON OUR SLEEVE… that means cocktail glass charms from www.linksoflondon.com for ladies and Martini glass and shaker cufflinks from www.thecufflinkstore.co.uk for men.

21 25.

MIXING THINGS UP WITH CHERRIES...

Visciolata del Cardinale cherryinfused dessert wine to be precise.

The sour notes sure perk up cocktails, puddings and chutneys (and tastes absolutely delicious straight from the bottle). Available from www. thewhiskyexchange.com.

BECOMING GRADE-A STUDENTS… by attending the monthly guided tasting sessions at Flûte Bar’s Champagne School. www.flutebar.com.

19 MANNING UP… and going past the burn that comes from sipping the exceptionally fiery 100,000 Scovilles – Naga Chilli Vodka from www.masterofmalt.com.

22 Perfecting the punch... forget jabs, hooks and upper-cuts, this season the only hits we care about are the ones served up in tasteful bowls. Check out the Warranted Jubilee Punch by Nick Strangeway at Mark’s Bars at Hix. www.marksbar.co.uk.

The Cocktail Lovers - 9

IN-terview

IN THE HOTSEAT Gaz made his first cocktail 45 years ago and has published nine books and contributed to numerous newspapers and magazines on the subject. Born in England, he divides his time between New York and Lancashire and travels the world writing, judging and teaching people about cocktails. When he isn’t thinking about or creating drinks, he likes to flirt, sniff nail-polish remover and practice Shamanic rituals.

Name three things that make you happy?

Being warm, spending time being instead of doing, flirting.

of my old friends still hang out there and the staff know how to tease me, so I’m very much at home in The Bay.

Who or what was your first love?

Catherine Booth was my first girlfriend and I was very much in love with her. She and her family moved away though and I never heard from her again. We were five or six years old.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Marty Feldman. I’ve no idea why his name leapt to mind, but there’s no denying that I like to be the centre of attention, and he certainly was that. I like to think I have a good sense of humour and he had that, too. And since I’m a bartender and bartending is a “look-at-me” job, I guess he also fits into that category.

What did you last dream about?

I did dream last night and it was a dream about organising stuff, but I can’t remember specifics. I believe that dreams are lessons for the soul, when the spirit helps us through our earthly lives.

What is your greatest fear?

I no longer have fear.

What is your biggest regret?

I have absolutely no regrets, though I do have quite a few “cringing moments” when I remember saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. All the things that I might really regret though have turned out to be lessons that have led to good things.

Where is home?

New York and Lancashire. I really couldn’t pick between them.

What is your favourite smell?

Sweat, earth, mushrooms, vinegar, nail-polish remover, whisky and coffee. In that order.

Photo: Jim Ferrara

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I usually get up at around 5.30am and get straight to work on my laptop. Work is what gets me up. I rush to answer emails, spend time on Facebook and see what the day has to offer. I love life, so I almost bound out of bed soon after my eyes open. And one more thing gets me out of bed: I like to make coffee for my girlfriend and in the colder months I also start her car so it’s nice and warm for her when she drives to work at 6.30am.

What is your most treasured possession?

I don’t have one. Possessions have no value to me. I enjoy lots of my possessions of course – I love my car, my laptop, my coffee machine and myriad old cocktail books and memorabilia, but if I lost everything, it truly wouldn’t bother me in the least.

Head or heart?

Gut. What is success?

Being happy.

Describe your proudest moment…

Pride is something I try to avoid – it feeds the ego – but it is, at times, unavoidable. I guess I’m most proud when people recognise me for who I am, rather than for whom they want me to be. I’m just an old bartender who enjoys people, loves life and tries to be of service to others whenever possible. I’m certainly not a master mixologist.

What would be the theme tune to your life?

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (But if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need).

The Rolling Stones.

What can’t you live with?

Anger and negativity.

And can’t live without?

Love and happiness.

What is your preferred nightcap?

Manhattan on the rocks with too much Angostura Bitters.

Tell us something we don’t know about you I practice Shamanic rituals as part of my spiritual life.

What is your favourite drinking hole?

The Bay Horse, Station Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire. It’s the last pub my parents ran (1968 to 1984), and it’s still my local when I’m back in Lancashire. The landlord and landlady, Tony and Cath Duncan, are quintessential hosts and are tried and true publicans who really care about their locals. Plus most

And something you don’t want us to know?

Amazingly enough, my answer to this one is identical to the answer that Tomas Estes gave when you asked him the same thing: “Sometimes I drink too much”.

--- Interview by Rebekkah Dooley

The Cocktail Lovers - 11

COCKTAILS AT THE

cinema

CHECK OUT THE SMOOTH OPERATORS WHO HAVE TURNED CINEMA-GOING INTO A COMPLETE EXPERIENCE. If there’s one thing guaranteed to get us sitting still in the dark for 90 minutes or more, it’s the growing trend for cocktails at the cinema. There’s nothing about bogstandard tip-up seats, cardboard-like popcorn and supersized cartons of watery soda that could possibly tempt us to part with our hard-earned cash. But plush leather seats, gourmet snacks and a Martini perched by our side? Well, that’s a different matter entirely.

Order your drinks, settle back and enjoy the film at our favourite cinemas with cocktail lovers in mind…

IN-the spotlight

Best for a special occasion:

Best for al fresco:

Martinis at the Movies

Classics in the Courtyard

One Aldwych hotel, One Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ. T: 020 7300 1000. www.onealdwych.com.

Hush, 8 Lancashire Court, Brook Street, W1S 1EY. T: 020 7659 1500. www.hush.co.uk.

One Aldwych have been doing glamour at the movies for years. This season it’s got even better by partnering with Grey Goose vodka to offer Martinis at the Movies – what’s not to like about that? Screenings start with, yup, you guessed it, a Martini, followed by a three-course meal in Axis restaurant.

Then it’s down to the sumptuous 30-seater cinema to enjoy a cool selection of retro and classic films. Make the most of the pop-out drinks holder and order another cocktail in the Lobby Bar to enjoy with your film. £42.50 inc a glass of champagne, three-course meal, movie and popcorn. Cocktails from £11.50.

Best for a pimped-up cinema experience:

The Lounge at The Odeon Whiteley’s, 144-151 Queensway, W2 4YN. Filmline: 0871 22 44 007 (10p per min). www.odeon.co.uk/thelounge.

Nuff respect to The Odeon for this fabulous cinema offering.

Close your eyes as you walk past the entrance for the ‘regular’ cinema and only open again once your concierge has guided you to the specially appointed bar. This is where the magic starts happening: your coat and baggage are spirited away, leaving you to chillax and fully enjoy the experience. Pitch up half-an-hour or so before your film to enjoy a drink and a bite at the bar, or arrive at the starting time and order fab food (from renowned chef Rowley Leigh) and excellent cocktails from the comfort of your cinema seat

Saturday night at the movies takes on a new dimension at this refreshingly low-key open-air set-up. There’s nothing fancy about the director’s chairs or oversized TV screen but we’re rather smitten by the setting – a charming, very quiet courtyard just off Bond Street. If it’s chilly, wrap up in the supplied blankets and either order from the a la carte cocktail and food menu or munch on delicious bespoke popcorn. £1.50 cover charge. Food from £4.50; cocktails from £8.95.

Best for City Slickers:

Monday Night Film Club Prism, 147 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 4QT. T: 020 7256 3888. www.harveynichols.com.

Set in the rather grand former Bank of New York building in the heart of the City, this is a cinema club in name only – everyone is invited to attend. Held twice a month (usually the second and fourth Mondays but always check for details), it’s a delightfully decadent way to start the week, particularly with the fab choice of retro movies, well made cocktails and delightful nibbles. £15 includes entry, cocktail on arrival and bar bites.

A word on those seats: there’s room for you and one more in the opulent leather chairs. We absolutely loved the fact we could tip back our heads, outstretch our feet and summon our food and cocktails – all via a handy button nestled on the armrest. Great fun and very luxurious.

Highly recommended.

Seats from £15; food from £6.50; cocktails from £7.

Best for an upgrade:

Ambar at The Odeon 96 Finchely Road, NW3 5EL. Filmline: 0871 22 44 007 (10p per min). www.odeon.co.uk.

This Odeon doesn’t have the same swagger of The Lounge but it does have a separate bar/restaurant where you can enjoy a selection of sharing platters and mezze. Cocktails are a work in progress; instead, choose from 25 wines available by the glass. As for the cinema: all standard seats have been fitted with Pro Bax seat to reduce backache, while two cinema screens feature club chairs and side tables.

Club seats from £12.50; food from £4.95, cocktails from £5.95.

Clockwise from top: Ambar at The Odeon; gourmet burgers at The Lounge; Martinis at One Aldwych; seats with style at The Odeon Swiss Cottage

The Cocktail Lovers - 13

THE BEST OF

BRITISH Get out the bunting, start flying the flag – this summer is all about the Union Jack.

The patriotic love-in kicked off on St George’s Day, 23 April, which also happened to be Shakespeare’s birthday. It continues in style with no less than 8,000 torchbearers running through the UK for the Olympic Torch Relay from 19 May-27 July. And if that wasn’t enough, in between, there’s the small matter of someone’s Diamond Jubilee on 5 June…

So while the world is in Rule Britannia mode, we thought we’d crack open a bottle of something fizzy – homegrown of course (Breaky Bottom Brut 2006, Sussex; Nyetimber Classic Cuvee 2006, West Sussex, or Camel Valley Brut 2008/09, Cornwall, seeing as you’re asking) and raise a toast to the best in the biz.

IN-spire

IN-focus

UPTOWN

OR

DOWNTOWN West End or East End, which side of town gets your cocktail drinking vote?

1.

3.

4.

1 & 4: East End cool at The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town; 2 & 3: West End glamour at The Connaught Bar

2.

UPTOWN says Ms S

DOWNTOWN says Mr G

Don’t get me wrong, some of my favourite bars are what might be considered ‘downtown’: Callooh Callay, Hawksmoor Spitalfields and Lounge Bohemia are a few that spring to mind. I love the drinks, dig the funky atmosphere, admire the independent spirit and absolutely adore the people but – move in closer while I whisper this – l’ll be honest, I’m an uptown girl at heart.

The great 1960’s chanteuse Petula Clark once observed “When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go – downtown”. Frankly I’m not one for feeling alone and lonely but I do think there’s a lot of sense in her philosophy. It’s not that I don’t enjoy ‘uptown’ with its elegant five-star hotel bars. Indeed, I like to slip into a smart suit, grab Ms S and head off to The American Bar, Artesian or Library Bar. However, being of a holistic disposition I believe in nurturing the whole man, which means occasionally administering to another side, the one that likes to kick back, stay up late and feel just a little bit badly behaved. That’s when I too like to quite literally go downtown.

Blame it on my East End upbringing. We cockneys always aspire to a bit of posh. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with distressed fashion, or even distressed interiors for that matter, when I’m going out I don’t want home-from-home – I want glamour. A whole greedy one hundred percent of it.

And I really do mean every itsy-bitsy detail, from the sumptuous decor, right through to the fancy-pants glassware; the gourmet nibbles to the ‘thank-you-madam-you-are-themost-important-thing-in-the-world’ level of service. Ever since admiring the easy elegance of those smouldering movie stars of yesteryear, groomed to perfection and coolly accessorised with a cigarette in one hand and a Martini glass in the other – I’ve always equated cocktails with glamour.

And short of having a personal butler to proffer ice-cold drinks at cocktail o’ clock (no, not Mr G although he does a very good job), in my mind that means setting your internal Sat Nav in the direction of a five-star hotel.

Dressing up comes into it of course. If I want to do casual I’ll go to a pub and order beer. Making the decision to venture uptown is my time to pull out the tailoring, air my hat and stride out in a pair of spindly heels. Call me old-fashioned or plain old common if you like but I believe if you’re paying upwards of £12 for a Martini, it deserves to be made an occasion of.

Which brings us on to the vulgar matter of cost. Can a single drink really ever warrant such a hefty price tag? We all know the answer to that. We also know that when you make the decision to frequent such establishments, you’re buying much more than the cocktail – you’re making a statement. Whether you’re genuinely minted or just trying the lifestyle out for size, you’ve opted to park the grubby reality of life outside the minute you walk through the door.

So dazzle me with the specially commissioned crystal glassware, roll out the Art Deco Martini trolley and impress me with the elaborate garnishes and nibbles.

Yes, for the cost of a few drinks you could easily stock up on a couple days worth of grocery shopping, but where’s the glamour in that? The way I see it is, if it costs £100 or so for an outing that makes you feel like a million dollars, surely that’s an investment worth making?

MS S’S TOP 5 UPTOWN BARS: The Artesian www.artesian-bar.co.uk The Beaufort Bar/The American Bar www.fairmont.com/savoy The Connaught www.the-connaught.co.uk Donovan’s Bar at Browns www.brownshotel.com

So what is it that makes me feel so at home in London’s East and East Central postcodes? Let’s start with Callooh Callay.

Easily one of the best bars in town, the creativity of the cocktails and the dexterity with which they are dispensed would grace any of its five-star cousins but with the bonus of an ever-so slightly naughty feel about it, especially when disappearing through its wardrobe to find my way upstairs to the shady elegance of the Jubjub room. Meanwhile just a stone’s throw away (if you can throw powerfully and round corners) lies the Hoxton Pony. There’s cocktail pedigree here with Salvatore Calabrese’s offspring Gerry leading the shaking and stirring honours, with treats such as the huge, sharing Infusion Jars – like regular cocktails, only bigger, much bigger. Then of course there’s Hawksmoor, ah Hawksmoor. The Spitalfields arm of the operation has recently given itself a bit of a wash and brush up, including the opening of a new basement bar. The drinks are outstandingly good and I would happily sip them anywhere, but having to first descend into its Speakeasy-esque subterranean den feels like adding a dash of sexy bitters to the cocktails.

There’s just something about these kind of places that does it for me – the music’s a little louder, the lights a little lower and they make me want to stay a little later.

But let’s not forget that Petula Clark isn’t the only artist with strong views on urban geography, Mr Billy Joel also weighs in with a particularly apt plea from his creative oeuvre extolling the many virtues of an “Uptown Girl”.

So in company with my very own Uptown Girl, Ms S, I’ll continue to enjoy all points of the London cocktail compass. But I’d like to finish as Ms Clark does with as sensible bit of advice as you’re likely to hear anywhere, “Downtown – don’t wait a minute for Downtown everything’s waiting for you...”

MR G’S TOP 5 DOWNTOWN BARS: Callooh Callay www.callooh-callaybar.com Hawksmoor www.thehawksmoor.com The Hoxton Pony www.thehoxtonpony.com The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town www.themayorofscaredycattown.com The Worship Street Whistling Shop www.whistlingshop.com

The Dorchester www.thedorchester.com

The Cocktail Lovers - 19

Ketel One has been inspired by 300 years of Nolet family distilling tradition. Its softness and richness come from distillation in the copper pot stills, while the crispness, freshness and silkiness come from the Ultra Wheat Spirit. ÂŽ

A member of the Nolet family personally approves every final production run.

The KETEL ONE words and associated logos are trade marks. KETEL ONE Š 2012.

FOR THE PRACTICALLY MINDED: Bar Craft Professional Cocktail Shaker Good value with a touch of class. £18.50. www.dennyandsons.co.uk

FOR A SPLASH OF COLOUR BEHIND THE BAR: Red Professional Boston Cocktail Shaker Simple, effective and affordable. £12.99. www.drinkstuff.com.

FOR THE CONFIDENT HOST: WMF Loft Cocktail Shaker Do it like pro with this stylish two-part shaker. £27.50. www.heals.co.uk.

FOR TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL: Gold Yukiwa Baron Cobbler Shaker Strictly for professionals wanting to perfect the Japanese ‘hard shake’.

From £61.86 .www.cocktailkingdom.com.

The Cocktail Lovers - 25

IN-style

GET THE DRINKS IN AT

THE BEAUFORT BAR

Chris wears black dinner suit, £1,575 from Huntsman; wing collar hand pleated dress shirt, £125, black bowtie, from £45; black cummerbund, £40, white Mother-of-Pearl cufflinks, £120, all from Budd Shirtmakers.

Jean-Baptiste wears dinner suit, £1,575 and wing collar hand pleated dress shirt, £125, black bowtie, £40, black satin waistcoat, £125, all from Budd Shirtmakers

IN-style

CHRIS MOORE, GABY MONCADA PENA AND JEAN-BAPTISTE DUROC-DANNER CAPTURE THE GOLDEN AGE OF COCKTAILS IN THIS SEASON’S GLAMOROUS STYLES. On a scale of one to 10, the Beaufort Bar cruises effortlessly to 11 on our glamo-meter. That’s largely down to the gold, all £38,000 of it. Instead of being ‘bling’, the soft burnished effect exudes the sophistication of a bygone era, while the addition of smouldering black lacquer, ornate alcoves and wantonly tactile fabrics further enhance the opulent air. Then there’s the bar. Boy, what a bar… With its beguiling good looks and perfect proportions, it’s little wonder this hot Art Deco/ Edwardian number has been given a starring role in The Savoy’s lavish production.

It makes perfect sense. Back in the day, this was the former cabaret stage where legends like George Gerschwin, Noël Coward and Frank Sinatra once entertained. Now it’s Chris Moore, Gaby Moncada Pena and Jean-Baptise Duroc-Danner who work their magic on the guests with a repertoire of fancy drinks.

Champagne is the big thing here – those flirty bubbles match the decadent feel perfectly. Choose from 25 by the glass, (not including the two English sparkling wines and seven champagne cocktails) or sit back, listen to the nightly cabaret and enjoy one of the many bottles. If fizz leaves you flat, the Beaufort Cocktail List will definitely perk you up.

Try The Winston (Hennessy XO cognac, blood orange puree, quince liqueur, vanilla syrup and cigar leaf), or for something a little bit different, book up for the Art Decadent Tea with Tipsy Tea cocktails, on a Sunday afternoon.

The Beaufort Bar, Savoy hotel, Strand, WC2R 0EU. T: 020 7836 4343. www.fairmont.com/savoy

28 - The Cocktail Lovers

Gaby wears long strappy navy dress, £1,900, by Talbot Runhof, available from Harvey Nichols; black and silver sequin hairband, £28, by BlakeGodbold, available from Elizabeth Galton Studio; earrings, stylist’s own. Chris wears dinner suit, £1,575 from Huntsman; wing collar hand pleated dress shirt, £125, white Marcella waistcoat, £120, white Marcella bowtie, £25, white Mother-ofPearl cufflinks, £120, all from Budd Shirtmakers.

Back in the day, this was the former cabaret stage where legends like George Gerschwin, Noël Coward and Frank Sinatra once entertained.

IN-style

ECANTADOR

– created by Chris Moore, for the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition 2012 40ml Bacardi Superior 10ml Aperol 20ml fresh lemon juice 15ml vanilla syrup 5ml egg white 5ml Miclo Eau de Framboise Method: Shake with a combination of cubed and crushed ice, and fine strain into a coupette glass.

Chris wears grey bespoke chalkstripe suit, £4,608, from Huntsman; white poplin shirt, £95, Mother-of-Pearl cufflinks, £120, both from Budd Shirtmakers; silver patterned silk tie, £75, Favourbrook; grey trilby hat, £298 from The Hat Gallery.

Jean-Baptise wears black, white and grey check jacket, £490, matching trousers, £190 and white shirt, £90, all from Favourbrook; burgundy and white spot tie, £110, from Huntsman; black trilby hat, £298, from The Hat Gallery. Gaby wears Prince of Wales check ruffle fronted waistcoat, £400, and matching drape pleated pencil skirt, £220, both Vivienne Westwood Red Label available from Harvey Nichols; black hat, £330, by Karen Henriksen from The Hat Gallery. Gloves and earrings, stylist’s own.

If you want to give your fancy frock or sharp suit an outing, make a date for Jewelbox, An Evening of Cabaret & Burlesque. Launched in April to recreate the glamorous cabaret evenings held on the Beaufort Bar stage eighty-odd years ago, these fun-packed dates include performances from an array of talents including Holly Penfield, Polly Rae, Kitty Bang Bang and Tricity Vogue.

The next dates are set for Sunday 20 May and Sunday 1st July. Tickets cost £25. For bookings and details, contact 020 7420 2111 To win a table for two for the next cabaret evening on Sunday 20th May, plus a complimentary cocktail each, please ‘Like’ The Cocktail Lovers Magazine on Facebook here.

Stockist details: Budd Shirtmakers, 3 Piccadilly Arcade, SW1Y 6NH. T: 020 7493 0139. www.buddshirts.co.uk Elizabeth Galton Studio, www.elizabethgaltonstudio.com Emma Fielden, www.emmafielden.co.uk Favourbrook, 55 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6LX. T: 020 7493 5060. www.favourbrook.com Harvey Nichols, 109 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ. T: 020 7201 8538. www.harveynichols.com The Hat Gallery, 32-34 Earl’s Court Road,W8 6EJ. T: 020 7734 9231. www.hat-gallery.co.uk Huntsman, 11 Savile Row, W1S 3PS. T: 020 7734 7441. www.h-huntsman.com Jaeger, www.jaeger.co.uk Photography: Johnnie Pakington www.johnniepakington.com assisted by Duncan Green.

The Cocktail Lovers - 31

HARVEY NICHOLS COCKTAIL M ASTER CL ASS LEARN HOW TO BLEND PERFECT COCKTAILS AND A FEW OTHER TRICKS OF THE TRADE, PERFECT FOR GROUPS OF FRIENDS, SPECIAL OCCASIONS, OR SIMPLY TO TRY SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK PLEASE VISIT WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM KNIGHTSBRIDGE, BRISTOL, DUBLIN, MANCHESTER, EDINBURGH, BIRMINGHAM, LEEDS, OXO, PRISM.

IN-formed

MAINS & MARTINIS

RESTAURANTS WHERE THE COCK TAILS ARE AS GOOD AS THE FOOD.

Novikov

Bedford & Strand

Roast

50a Berkeley Street, W1J 8HA. T: 020 7399 4330 www.novikovrestaurant.co.uk

1a Bedford Street, WC2E 9HH. T: 020 7836 3033. www.bedford-strand.com

The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, SE1 1TL. T: 0845 034 7300. www.roast-restaurant.com

Who: Everyone from the expense account brigade to regular Joes out for a good time.

Who: Savvy after work and pre-/posttheatre crowd avoiding the madness of Covent Garden.

Who? Lovers of great British food.

What: Pan-Asian food on the ground floor; Italian cuisine on the next level and a large clubby lounge bar in the basement.

What: A thoroughly British take on a French brasserrie.

Why: Stunning food, inventive Asianinspired cocktails in a super-swanky environment. Check out the ‘Market’ next to the glass-fronted kitchen to inspect the fresh ingredients on offer that day.

Why: Carefully selected wine list with 20 or so by the glass, carafe and bottle; cool cocktails and excellent Franglaise food.

When: Definitely dinner when the lights go down and the Hotel Costes-esque soundtrack goes up a notch.

Wear: Casual fits the bill perfectly but you won’t be alone if you pitch up in your work finery.

Wear: Jeans, suits, body-con Lycra – it’s your call.

Ms S says: “You can’t help your jaw dropping just a little bit in this slick-as-you-like operation. The service veers towards the over attentive side but that’s only because everyone here truly wants you to enjoy the experience. Hot dish: The warm crispy duck salad with green apple and Peking dressing (£17), art on plate: crunchy, colourful and absolutely delicious. Cool cocktail: El Tesoro (Blanco tequila, fresh pineapple juice, lime juice, ginger root, cardamom syrup and Pernod, served in a balloon glass) £12; beautiful to look at, a bit on the sharp side but works brilliantly with the food.”

Mr G says: “They’ve got the balance just right – an environment that feels good and smart but also makes you want to kick back and relax. Hot dish: Black cod rolls with mango sauce (£14), cocktail-accompanying heaven. Cool cocktail: The green tea take on a mojito with basil is refreshing and just Asian enough to get you in the mood for the dining delights ahead (£12).”

How much? All those delightful bits and bobs will add up if you’re not careful: salads from £7; 3 pieces of sushi from £9; mains from £9. Cocktails £12

When: Lunchtime but best for buzzy atmosphere in the evening.

Ms S says: “I’ve never had a dud here – that goes for the food right though to the cocktails. The atmosphere is always good and buzzy, so even if you go in for a quick glass of wine, be prepared to end up staying until the end of the evening. Hot dish: coq au vin with pomme puree and sautee mushrooms (£16.50) – like the best of homecooking but much, much better.

Cool cocktail: Sidecar (£10) – loving the Merlet cognac and triple sec in this classy classic.”

Mr G says: “One of the friendliest places you’re likely to find – with tip-top food and top notch drinks. Hot dish: Shepherd’s Pie (£11.75) – what’s not to like about comfort food done this well? Cool cocktail: Vinopolitan (£8.50). They describe it as “A cocktail for wine lovers” and we agree – nicely shaking up Patriarche Viognier white wine with St. Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh white grapes, redcurrant and a squeeze of lime.”

How much? Starters from £5.50; mains from £11.50; cocktails from £8.50.

What? Delightful restaurant, open bar and kitchen – smart enough to impress clients but low key enough to simply chill with friends.

Why? Fab setting with glorious views over Borough Market.

When? Breakfast is a real treat while lunch and dinner are deservedly popular.

Wear? Its business suits ahoy at lunch and early evening but really, anything goes.

Ms S says: “This is a one-size fits all place; posh but not intimidating with gourmet food that doesn’t feel too gussied up – perfect for all occasions. Hot dish: Wild rabbit and cider pie with Herefordshire snails and threecornered garlic, served with mashed potatoes (£22.75) – Oh. My. God. Just thinking about it is making my mouth water… Cool cocktail: Harmony Old-Fashioned (Hibiki whisky, matcha green tea, home made bitters, sugar cube, fresh cardamom seeds, rose liqueur, garnished with an orange twist and cherry, £11) – an exceptionally complex but very well-balanced drink.”

Mr G says: “This has one of those restaurant bars that makes you want to linger before moving on to your table to dine and makes you want to come back again afterwards for a digestif. Hot dish: Roast rare breed suckling pig with mashed potatoes and Bramley apple sauce (£32.50).

Outstanding, simply outstanding – not a morsel left on my plate. Cool cocktail: On Cloud Nine (Armagnac, Martini Rosso, Cointreau, orange cocktail bitters) £10.

Very tasty digestif to help ease down three fabulous courses in the restaurant.”

How much? Starters from £7.50; mains from £19.75; desserts from £6.75; cocktails from £9.50.

The Cocktail Lovers - 37

IN-formed

WORD UP...

NEWS, VIEWS, REVIEWS AND HOW-TOS

PROMOTION:

Have a drink on Sloane’s

LAST ORDERS Sam Bompass and Harry Parr combine food, science and a modicom of bonkersness to create artesian English jellies, bespoke jelly moulds and clever culinary installations. Their projects include creating an artisanal chewing gum factory at Whiteley’s, an Architectural Punchbowl for 25,000 people and a 30ft. chocolate-based climbing wall at Alton Towers.

We invited them to share their imaginary last drink with us.

What would your last drink be?

Have you tried Sloane’s Premium Dry Gin yet? If not, you’re in for a treat. Although a relative newcomer to the market this deliciously smooth, dry, classic gin has already won numerous awards including World’s Best White Spirit and World’s Best Gin at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2011.

So you can taste what the fuss is about, we’ve teamed up with Sloane’s Gin to offer our readers a half-price Sloane’s cocktail at selected London bars.

Click here to claim your half price cocktail voucher.

38 - The Cocktail Lovers

Pan Galactic Gargle Blaser, Douglas Adam’s fantasy drink described variously as ‘the alcoholic equivalent of a mugging’, the effects of which are ‘like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped around a large gold brick.’

Who will you share it with?

Our culinary hero Alexis Soyer. Trouble is, he’s been dead for over a century.

Where will you drink it?

In the Barbican’s mysterious jungle conservatory. It’s our favourite spot in town with live terrapins and a five-storey Monstera Deliciosa.

On 23 May, Bompas & Parr will host a peculiar dining extravaganza in the Hendrick’s Library of Delightfully Peculiar Writings, which takes residence at the Brighton Fringe from 17-27 May. Four literary-themed courses, all with matching Hendrick’s cocktails, will be presented, culminating with an explosive dessert. Tickets are £50 and are limited to 50 for the evening. For information, visit: www.hendricksgin.com and to book tickets, register at www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk.

MUSIC TO DRINK COCKTAILS TO...

The

Cocktail

The Best of The Rat Pack

Have you ever seen a recording of The Rat Pack performing live at The Sands?

Man, those dudes knew how to party. In between the cigarettes, Martinis, blokey banter and jokes about how much drink they had, could or would consume(d), Frank, Dean and Sammy would light up the stage with their very individual and distinctive singing styles.

Girl

In pursuit of spiritual enlightment in London’s funkiest bars

Frank had the swagger, Dean had the charm and little man Sammy could belt out a tune with the force of a giant. As there’s been a nod to glamour throughout this issue and as Ol’Blue Eyes performed on the Beaufort Bar stage (p. 26), it seems only fitting that we should be tapping our feet to some kind of Frank Sinatra-based beat.

Brightening up a pretty bleak spot on Shaftesbury Avenue, the latest addition to JJ Goodman’s and James Hopkins’ portfolio has got plenty going for it. There’s the striking pin-up style tattoo artwork for a start. You’ll see examples of it at street level and more as you walk down the stairs into the bar. It’s a visual reference to the hero spirit here: rum, a fantastic selection of classic British navy varieties hailing from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

The sunshine spirit plus the rocking playlist (seamlessly going from Bon Jovi’s Living On A Prayer to Salt & Pepa’s Whatta Man and on to La Travolta’s Grease Lightening without pausing for breath – fabulous!) definitely gets the party mood going. Before you know it, you’re bopping your head along like a good ‘un, while getting stuck in to the menu.

I tried the Brixton Riot (lychee, Martini, cranberry and peach puree, given an impressive kick with Wray & Nephew), while one half of my group decided to really embrace the pirate idea, ordering the House Grog (a blend of Jamaican, Bajan, Trinidadian, Antiguan and Guyanese rums, mixed with port, sherry, gin and arrack, served in a tin mug). The other half was off the booze completely so requested something fresh and perky and was treated to a killer non-alcoholic mojito randomly teamed with a Custard Cream biscuit.

There are classics such as bellinis and caipirinhas on the list and you can always ask the crack squad behind the bar to mix you something off menu. If you want to earn bragging rights and your own tankard, try a measure from one of the last remaining bottles of Black Tot, yours for £100 a 70ml serving.

Pass me a few more of those Brixton Riots and I just might…

London Cocktail Club, 222-224 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EH. T: 020 7580 1960. www. londoncocktailclub.co.uk. Open Mon-Fri 4.30pmmidnight; Sat 5pm-midnight.

We could have gone for one of his solo albums but there’s something infectious about these three crooners together – singularly they were great performers but put them on the same stage and they were absolute dynamite. The Very Best of The Rat Pack (Remastered) saves you the trouble of having to source their most popular tracks for yourself. Come Fly With Me, Ain’t That A Kick in the Head, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Birth of The Blues – they’re all there, along with I Get A Kick Out of You and You’re Nobody Til Somebody Loves You. These are tunes that bring a smile to your face, a confidence to your stride and make you want to reach out for that extra dry, extra cold cocktail. Just the way we like it.

From £4.99 from www.amazon.co.uk.

DID YOU

KNOW?

BUY THIS...

If you’re one of the many gin lovers out there, this swag bag has your name written all over it. Literally. Gin Monkey, Emma Stokes has produced a collection of gin-related goodies including badges, tote bags and framed prints, all of which make perfect, well-priced gifts. www.ginmonkey.com.

9 June...

is World Gin Day

19 June...

is National Martini Day (US)

10 July...

is National Pina Colada Day (US)

The Cocktail Lovers - 39

IN-dependent spirits

WHAT KAMMERLING DID NEXT...

FROM BARTENDER TO GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR, ALEX KAMMERLING’S LATEST VENTURE IS CREATING A STIR. If that old adage about no rest for the wicked is to be believed, Alex Kammerling must be a very bad boy indeed. Over the past couple of years he’s worked like the proverbial trooper, taking on admin, sales, PR, distribution, samplings, exhibitions and product development and we won’t even go there with his sheer volume of writing, television and radio appearances.

The heavy workload is down to his newfound status as independent drinks producer. Not an easy task at the best of times but even tougher for anyone who decides they want to introduce the world to a brand new tasting spirit. “I knew I wanted to launch my own product over five years ago,” says Kammerling when asked about the inspiration for his new drink. “But I also knew the world didn’t need another vodka or gin.”

As a former bartender and Brand Ambassador for Martin Miller’s gin and Grey Goose vodka, he was better equipped than most to second guess where our palates were heading. And in his mind that was towards the sharper end of the taste spectrum. “I noticed bartenders were leaning towards Campari and Aperolbased cocktails and that they were adding depth to their drinks with bitters,” he says. “At the same time, there was a big shift towards healthier eating, led by Jamie Oliver and reinforced with the five-a-day message. So I began thinking about combining the two and how I could create a healthier alcoholic drink.”

Which is not as much of an oxymoron as it may sound. Do a little research on the first uses of alcohol as Kammerling did and you’ll find that it was originally called on as a medicine, antiseptic, anaesthetic and a general panacea for curing a variety of ailments. “Alcohol was also the origin of the toast, ‘let’s drink to health,’” says Kammerling.

“Which got me wondering: why was it considered a general health tonic then and not now?”

40 - The Cocktail Lovers

His response to his own question was the creation of Kamm & Sons, an inventive mix of 45 natural, high quality botanicals, neatly packaged in a brown apothecary style bottle. “I infused more than 100 different herbs, spices, roots, peels, barks, flowers and leaves in ethanol before I found the recipe I was happy with,” he says. “And now that I have, it’s a closely guarded secret – not even the distiller knows what’s in it.”

‘It’ reads like a turbo-charged superfood in liquid form with a clever, slightly bitter, very herbal blend of four types of ginseng, fresh grapefruit peels, juniper, echinacea, goji berries and manuka honey. There’s alcohol too but at 33% abv, noticeably less than the 40% abv found in regular spirits.

“You can drink it simply neat over ice with a twist of lemon, or enjoy it long with bitter lemon and a lemon wedge,” he says. And being a bartender, Kammerling has made sure his ginseng spirit is the perfect addition to cocktails.

Alex Kammerling enjoys Kamm & Sons on ice

He has also recently launched the Kamm & Sons Foundation, a new initiative to celebrate creativity in the industry. “Like many people who work in bars, I studied art before I began my 18 year career in drinks,” he says. “So I’ve set up this award which invites anyone in the industry to come up with a piece of work inspired by the Kamm & Sons brand.” It could be a poem, a sculpture, film – the possibilities are endless, just as long as it isn’t a cocktail.

For those wishing to compete for the £1,000 prize, click here For a full list of stockists and recipes visit www.kammandsons.com

Kamm & Sons is the result of five years of hard work, from initial concept right through to the bottled product,” he says proudly. “And I still get a buzz when I see it behind the bar.

I’m now working on a few bergamot additions to the family, all in keeping with my original healthy drinking idea.

The Cocktail Lovers - 41

IN-sider’s Guide

Great Scot!

World Class UK 2011 winner Jamie MacDonald shares his favourite eating and drinking haunts in his hometown of Edinburgh

Bar Missoni 42 - The Cocktail Lovers

IN-sider’s Guide

Breakfast: Leo’s Beanery For breakfast and coffee (two essentials for every professional bartender) look no further than this small, family-run café. It serves everything from exceptional cappuccinos to home-baked and home-cooked goods such as espresso cake, Victoria sponge, daily changing specials and great burgers to boot. Joe and Mairi Denby run a professional but informal outfit here with a coffee barista ensuring caffeine addicts get a first-class fix.

23a Howe Street, EH3 6TF. T: 0131 556 8403. www.leosbeanery.co.uk.

Lunch: The Bon Vivant/The Honours Lunch would definitely consist of a visit to one of two wonderful establishments. The first is the eclectic and charming Bon Vivant based in the heart of Thistle Street, just behind George Street. Owned and operated by an old friend and industry stalwart, Stuart McCluskey , Bon Vivant caters for those who seek quality over quantity. The menus are well priced and the standard of the food is high.

If you’re not particularly hungry, try the small plates and bites which are a delightful selection of decadent morsels from independent, mainly local producers. Sparkling wines are also a speciality here with an elegant selection of Marques and Grand Marques available by the glass and by the half bottle. Glasses from £7-£18, bottles rising to the indulgence of Krug Grand Cuvée at £130.

Then there’s The Honours, a modern bistro serving up elegant, classic fare with a modern touch. Recently opened, this is definitely one of Edinburgh’s biggest hits this year and I believe it will outlast many of the modern eateries moving into the city centre. From the Michelin-starred stable of Martin Wishart, The Honours has already garnered a loyal following, so booking is an absolute must. Prices are very reasonable considering the location and exceptional standard of the dishes.

The Bon Vivant, 55 Thistle Street, EH2 1DY. T: 0131 225 3275. www.bonvivantedinburgh.co.uk.

The Honours, 58a North Castle Street, EH2 3LU. T: 0131 220 2513. www.thehonours.co.uk.

Dinner: Bia Bistro This family-owned restaurant is a hidden gem. Located over the South Side, just past Bruntsfield at a cross roads known formally as ‘Holy Corner’, (really, there are four churches situated at each corner of a four way junction and if you join the dots then an image of a cross would appear.)

Roisin and Matthias are the wonderful couple behind this bijou eatery, who have created a menu dedicated to fresh, seasonal, local and sustainable produce dished up in a homely atmosphere. Be sure to check it out!

19 Colinton Road, EH10 5DP. T: 0131 452 8453. www.biabistrot.co.uk.

Aperitif: Bar Missoni/The Guildford Arms/ Café Royal & Oyster Bar Head through The Meadows park towards George IV Bridge and you’ll find Bar Missoni. An extension of the lobby, this sleek bar resembles a gallery space with installations rather than your normal cocktail lounge.

You’ll find great bar snacks, slick coffee and tea service and some extremely well made classic and modern cocktails.

Over on West Register Street you’ll find two of Edinburgh’s fabulous ‘gin palaces’, both established in the late 1800s. These ornate pubs signify the change in social drinking in Scotland and give an insight into Victorian drinking habits. Did you know our nation nearly enacted Prohibition in 1919 as well as America?

Great food, cask ales and an established range of spirits make these pubs definitely worth a look.

Bar Missoni, 1 George IV Bridge, EH1 1AD. T: 0131 220 6666. www.hotelmissoni.com; The Guildford Arms, 1 West Register Street, EH2 2AA. T: 0131 556 4312. www.guildfordarms.com; Cafe Royal & Oyster Bar, 19 West Register Street, EH2 2AA. T: 0131 556 1884. www.caferoyal.org.uk.

Cocktails: The Bon Vivant/Bramble Cut through George Street back to Bon Vivant for a cheeky glass of sparkling or a sneaky Negroni. Then let’s end our night in Edinburgh’s newly crowned ‘favourite’ cocktail lounge. Bramble! Now in its fifth year, Bramble has led the way with small independent cocktail bars. The owners eschewed normal liquid stuffs and commercial objectives to create an amazing venue with valued service.

There’s always a friendly face to be seen, great drinks and a whopping amount of gin – little wonder really, Edinburgh did consume the most gin per capita in Europe at one point in time. Go for a classic or steer yourself towards one of their signature drinks: Mint 500, Crystal Clear Mojito, or Barrel & Bottle Aged Affinity.

16A Queen Street, EH2 1JE. T: 0131 226 6343. www.bramblebar.co.uk.

Nightcap: Garibaldi’s If you still want more head around the corner and down the stairs of what is the legendary good time bar, Garibaldi’s – don’t be surprised if you stay for more than one…

97a Hanover Street, EH2 1DJ. T: 0131 220 3007.

No website.

Jamie MacDonald’s new bar, The Crown & Felon opens in Edinburgh soon...

Check www.thecocktaillovers.com for updates

The Cocktail Lovers - 43

IN-ternational

La Vue, Hotel Concorde La Fayette, 3 Place du Général Kœnig, 75017. T: +33 (1) 40 68 50 68. www.concorde-lafayette.com/en No bar offers views over Paris quite like the aptly named La Vue. From the lofty heights of the 34th floor of the Hotel Concorde La Fayette you can see the city in all its glory, with the Eiffel Tower holding court in the centre. There can’t be a better setting for a romantic date or even a proposal.

But if you have an aversion to hot pinks and lilacs, you might have trouble with the interior; perhaps cast your eyes on the 11,000 glass rod chandelier instead. Or even better, check out the cocktail list. Like most hotels, the drinks are on the pricey side but hey, views like these don’t come cheap.

Ms S kept it simple and classically French with a champagne cocktail, opting for passion fruit from the list of flavourings including strawberry, raspberry, white peach and mandarin. In contrast Mr G went straight for the butch ‘Dandily Yours’ section of the menu, opting for the Ramos Gin Fizz (gin, lemon and lime juices, orange blossom).

Ms S was absolutely bowled over with the Spiced rum OldFashioned Greg stirred up to take the chill off the evening, while Mr G loved the something weird and wonderful that our host did to conjure up a superb Margarita (Tequila, Grand Marnier liqueur and lime juice) served in a big wine glass with an almost equally big, single ice cube.

Le Candelaria, 52 rue Saintonge, 75003.

T: +33 (0) 1 42 74 41 28. www.candelariaparis.com.

You could easily miss this bar, even if you happen to be in the building. That’s due to the fact that the front of the operation is home to a busy tacos joint and the secret area to the rear, accessed through a barely noticeable door, is given over to cocktails – sure to score you brownie points with your date just for knowing it’s here. There’s a similarity in feel to the Experimental Cocktail Club, which may or may not come as no surprise as it’s headed up by Josh Fontaine and Carina Tsou, two of ECC’s former mixologists.

It’s all very artsy on a budget – white walls, bright murals, plenty of candles and simple wooden tables, with lots of beautiful people providing extra colour and interest. While there’s plenty of chatter, it’s the cocktails that do the talking, and thanks to a large showing of tequilas and Mezcals, that’s mainly with a Latin American lilt. We got into the party spirit by sharing the deservedly popular punch (cachaca, sloe gin, lemon, grapefruit juice and Champagne).

Le Forum, 4 Boulevard Malesherbes,75008.

T: +33 (0) 1 42 65 37 86. www.bar-le-forum.com.

La Vue Bar

Le 29, 29 rue Vineuse, Paris, 75016.

T: +33 (0) 6 18 40 89 93.

See those poles in the middle of the room? They’re left over from this bar’s former incarnation as a strip joint. So too are the red velvet chairs, crimson walls and matching curtains.

Which is not a bad thing, au contraire; these quirky details all go together to create a deliciously illicit atmosphere in this small but perfectly formed bar. You can easily imagine many an affair being conducted here.

The slightly naughty feel starts before you even step foot over the threshold as you have to ring the buzzer, Speakeasy style, to gain access. Once inside, just settle back and give yourself over to Greg Hazac’s superlative bartending skills. Don’t go expecting a menu though, instead Greg will ask you what kind of mood you’re in, what you’re favourite spirits are and before you know it, you’re sipping the perfect drink.

46 - The Cocktail Lovers

Le Forum is the reference point for any serious bartender or dating couple in Paris, as it should be, it’s pretty serious stuff. It also happens to be the oldest American bar in the city, established in 1918 and owned by the same family since 1931.

There’s something about the handsome wood-panelled walls, leather Chesterfield seats, ornate stuccoed detailing and dim lighting that brings to mind a British gentlemen’s club with a clipped French accent. Mind you, the jukebox in the corner gives it a playful edge.

Just as well really. As the bar is situated amongst the luxury shops and hot shot offices, it attracts an expense account crowd at lunch and early evening but as it gets later, the clientele gets considerably more relaxed. Take your time to contemplate the 65 drinks on the list, Ms S did and went straight for the crazily named but seriously good Hoolapalooza Daiquiri (light rum, lime juice, Bols maraschino liqueur, Green Chartreuse liqueur). For Mr G, the classic surroundings cried out for a Dry Martini (Tanqueray No 10, dry vermouth) and it delivered - both in looks and taste.

IN-vite only

SNAPSHOT: Pictures from the hottest events, competitions and openings in the last three months

1.

2.

2.

5.

4.

3.

7.

8.

1. Tali Lennox and guest at the opening of Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, sponsored by Bombay Sapphire.

February 2012.

2. Rikki Carter (2nd), David Delaney (1st), and Jamaal Bowen (3rd), finalists in Angostura Global Finals, Trinidad.

February 2012.

3. Ultra Orange and Emmanuelle at the opening of La Vue at the Hotel Concorde La Fayette, Paris. January 2012.

4. Chris Moore, Daniel Bovey and Gordon Purnell, the Three Most Promising 2012 in the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail 48 - The Cocktail Lovers

6.

9.

Competition, Freemason’s Hall, London.

February 2012.

5. Joe Gilmore mixes up a cocktail and accepts his Lifetime Achievement Award (awarded by the Mixology Bar Awards in Berlin and presented at The American Bar, London). January 2012.

6. Audrey Saunders and Dale DeGroff, judges in the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition 2012, Freemason’s Hall, London. February 2012.

7. Derek Picot and Sophie Conran share a cocktail at a party to launch Sophie Conran’s Faberge egg at Jumeriah Carlton Tower, London. March 2012.

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8. The launch for Sailor Jerry’s and Jeffrey West’ Stewed, Shoed and Tattooed at Selfridges, London. February 2012.

9. Gentlemen’s Dub at the launch of Live Music Nights at the Roof Gardens, sponsored by Tanqueray. January 2012.

10. Robin Webb, winner of Sloane’s Gin ‘Twisted Tradition’ National Cocktail Competition, The Blacksmith & The Toffeemaker, London. April 2012.

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