ISSUE 15
SPRING 2015
The Style Issue
Power to the cocktail hour:
Hot looks for the season Inspired by the drinks cabinet
What makes a stylish bar? (and it's not just about aesthetics‌)
+ Wise words from our
new columnist, gaz regan
ISSN 2052 0603
THESE ALL MIX COCKTAILS
ONLY THIS WILL STIR YOU
The best ingredient is always flavour GIFFARD - ANGERS - FRANCE www.giffard.com
contact@giffard.com
@Giffardliqueurs
Giffard Liqueurs Et Sirops
Tel +33 (0)2 41 18 85 00
http://giffardliqueurs.wordpress.com
IN-tro
NO OFFENCE
TO PUBS BUT THEY DON'T QUITE
C U T I T IN THE ST YLE D E PA R T M E N T
Not like cocktail bars. Park the five-star ones to the side for a moment, even the funky independents exude more glamour than your average boozer. That's even before we get to the drinks… Everything that goes into the making of a cocktail is just that bit cooler, sexier, smarter than anything you find in a pub or standard wine bar – from the bottles and glassware to the ever inventive new serves. Let's face it, cocktails just ooze style. If you need proof, just read through this issue. No stranger to standing out from the crowd himself, our new columnist gaz regan shares his thoughts on the flamboyant style lurking within most bartenders (p. 38). Mind you, it's not just about those who cut a dash behind the bar, we speak to three drinks Brand Ambassadors renowned for their sharp dress sense and ask them to open their wardrobes for us (p. 12). Brands are in on the style act too, some choosing to partner up with a luxury lifestyle company to elevate their status on the lust list (p. 20). Then there are the bars – some out-and-out luxe, others with their own distinctive heartbeat. Johnnie Pakington and Natalie Walsh head to north-east London to document the latest hotspots in the area (p. 24), while Robbie Bargh casts his net further afield and highlights his pick of the most stylish drinking spots around the world (p. 42). As for the drinks, well they've inspired this season's style shoot. We weren't kidding, we told you cocktails were smart…
Happy imbibing! Ms S & Mr G
thecocktaillovers.com
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Discover the finest contemporary silver and jewellery from over 300 designer-makers. www.thegoldsmithsdirectory.co.uk
Cocktail set: Martyn Pugh
IN-gredients
6. IN-the know
42. IN-focus
25 reasons to be a cocktail lover this season Sexying up our G&Ts, seeing the light and kissing up to our guests, just a few of the things we're looking forward to in the next few months
Raising the bar What makes a stylish bar? Robbie Bargh puts forward the case
10. IN-the hotseat Jo Malone MBE On filling the world with fabulous scents and finding inspiration for Jo Loves, her latest outlet, behind the bar
12. IN-spire Ambassadors of style Three snappy dressing Brand Ambassadors open their closets and share their style tips (and fashion faux pas) with us
20. IN-the spotlight Two's company Making magic happen: what happens when a savvy drinks company pairs up with a stylish lifestyle brand
24. IN-the spotlight Styling it up in north-east London Natalie Walsh and Johnnie Pakington check out the bars putting the area at the top of the hip parade
30. IN-dulge Haute picks Cool pieces to add some serious chic to your home bar
32. IN-style Dressing for the cocktail hour Gin, vodka, rum, vermouth, whisky – take inspiration for your wardrobe from the drinks cabinet this spring
38. IN-focus Puttin' on the Ritz In his first column for The Cocktail Lovers magazine the legendary gaz regan highlights the flamboyance of the look-at-me bartender
40. IN-focus Legends of liquor Tom Sandham raises a glass to five key figures renowned for their drinking as well as their distinct style
46. IN-focus Dressing up vs. dressing down Jeans and T-shirt or suit and shirt? Which do you prefer to wear for your evening out?
48. IN-focus Drink, Eat, Live Claire Smith-Warner and Georgia van Tiel share their tips for spring cleaning the mind, body and spirit
50. IN-dependent spirits For bartenders, by bartenders Adam Elmegirab doffs his cap to the growing band of bartenders making their own drinks products
52. IN-dustry greats David Wondrich and Tony Conigliaro Two for the price of one: talking old school and new school cocktails and how the two have more in common than you might think
54. IN-formed Mains & Martinis Brunch at the Fifth Floor CafĂŠ, dinner at Galvin at Windows and an overnight stay at The Edgbaston
56. IN-formed Word up News, views and reviews from the cocktail front
60. IN-sider's guide Irish ayes Finding the 'craic' in Belfast with local boy Michael Patterson
62. IN-ternational Middle East magic Why we're loving the emerging cocktail scene in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
66. IN-vite only Snap shot The best drinks events and party pics from the last three months
Editors: Sandrae Lawrence, Gary Sharpen Sub-editor: Sally Briggs Editorial assistant: Natalie Walsh Creative Director: James Cheverton at Burnt Studio burntstudio.com Illustrations: Melanie Milne mellmadedesign.com Nick Schon nickschonillustrator.com Photography: Addie Chinn addiechinn.com Ed Dabney edabney.com Johnnie Pakington johnniepakington.com Contributors: Robbie Bargh; Nelson Bernardes; Adam Elmegirab; Michael Patterson; gaz regan; Tom Sandham; Claire Smith-Warner; Georgia van Tiel For all editorial and advertising enquiries, please contact: mail@thecocktaillovers.com 020 7242 2546 thecocktaillovers.com Printed by Polestar UK Print Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part of any contents of The Cocktail Lovers magazine without prior permission from the editors is strictly prohibited. Cover shot: Power to the cocktail hour Photographer: Ondine C/Shutterstock Issue No. 15 Spring 2015 The Cocktail Lovers magazine is published by The Cocktail Lovers Ltd. in London, UK
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
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25
REASONS TO BE A COCKTAIL LOVER THIS SEASON
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Celebrating the mavericks Sod convention, sometimes you’ve just got to break the rules. Alexander McQueen did. And in doing so he turned the fashion world on its head. Celebrate his non-conformist spirit at Savage Beauty at the Victoria & Albert Museum until 2 August. vam.ac.uk And if you’re a bartender who laughs in the face of convention, check out G’Vine Perspectives' bartenders challenge – it’s got creative genius written all over it (p. 44).
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jacket by alexander mcqueen from 'it's a jungle out there' a/w 1997-8. image; first view
Making awesome happen, kissing up to our guests and elevating the aroma of our drinks – just a few of the things we’re looking forward to in the next few months
03
02 REAPING WHAT WE SEW
IN-the know
Multi-tasking behind the bar
D.I.Y. cocktail dresses rock! One paper pattern, myriad options – dig out those sewing machines now! Vogue pattern from John Lewis. johnlewis.com
Shake, flex, repeat – the ultimate bartender’s workout. Do it with conviction using this sterling silver dumbbell shaker from Asprey. asprey.com
FOUR
GOING NUTS FOR ALMOND MILK
Top tip for transforming an ordinary gin and tonic into a thing of beauty: sprinkle on botanicals. This kit from Special Touch does the job very nicely. harveynichols.com
And who can blame us when the bottles from The Pressery look so goddamned good? The contents – raw, organic cold-pressed almonds – aren’t too shabby either. Drink neat when you’re feeling virtuous; add a splash of vodka or a tot of rum for a kick. thepressery.co.uk
Sexying up our G&Ts
05
Trading up to cuptails
What do cupcakes want to be when they grow up? Cuptails of course! Lena Rose Bakery offers 15 adult-inspired variations including Woo Woo, Kiwi & Lime Daiquiri, White Russian and Guinness & Baileys – get involved! lenarosebakery.com
06 08 Seeing the light
We’re ditching our bog standard lamps and going for a drop dead gorgeous Decanterlight. Chic hand cut decanters bathed in light? That’s what we’re talking about! leebroom.com
Getting a taste of Greece Mastiha and Ouzo, the two distinct spirits of Greece are now captured in biscuit form. Bite into the Dear Crete range available at Harvey Nichols. harveynichols.com
07
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AGEING GRACEFULLY
Too impatient to wait for your wine/whisky/cognac to age over time? Try Pinocchio Barrique. The porous oak bottle does the job of a barrel in a fraction of the time and let’s face it, looks pretty sleek too. pinocchiobarrique.com The Cocktail Lovers - 7
IN-the know
10
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How so? By misting the glass with one of the 18 edible fragrances available from Alice & The Magician. Take your drink to new heights by spritzing with clever combos such as Exotic Citrus Sage, Autumn Bonfire and Chocolate Birthday Cake – so simple and oh-so totally divine. aliceandthemagician.com
13
Hitting up savoury cocktails
KISSING UP TO OUR GUESTS Literally. Kiss napkins by Kelly Wearstler. kellywearstler.com
Elevating the aroma of our drinks
Tony Conigliaro has a banging selection on the new menu at Grain Store. Check this lot: Smoked Poacher Champagne, Celeriac Bellini and Chamomile Vinus Lupus – the work of a G who really knows his flavours. grainstore.com
BOTTLING UP 14.
Now that bartenders like Ryan Chetiyawardana, Charles Joly and JJ Goodman are on the case, never let it be said you can’t get a good quality bottled cocktail. Our latest favourite? The new collection from Aske Stephenson. Try the Peanut Butter & Jam Old Fashioned – it's lush. askestephenson.com
16 FOLLOWING A RUM
DIRECTION
15
ELEVEN WALKING ON THE WILD SIDE
And zoning in on the 100 recipes in Lottie Muir’s book Wild Cocktails. Muir, aka The Midnight Apothecary, takes home-grown and foraged fruits, herbs and edible flowers and gives them a starring role in her drinks. Prepare to be smitten. rylandpeters.com
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Switching up our scent Make space in your life for the divine fragrance by French Perfumers Young Perfumer of the Year Alice Lavenat. Her clever new scent blends rhubarb, blackcurrant, pink grapefruit and pink pepper, enriched with the woody notes of cognac barrels. It’s the proverbial bomb. harveynichols.com
No. 1: Montanya Horchata Imperial Porter, the lovechild of Elevation Beer Company and Montanya Distillers – limited-edition beer aged in rum barrels. Available Stateside spring/summer. elevationbeerco.com
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…no 2: Havana Club Unión, the first rum blended especially to enjoy whilst puffing a Cuban cigar. Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before? havana-club.com
IN-the know
EIGHTEEN
19
LIFTING OUR SPIRITS
Starting with good quality sodas and tonics. Seek out Three Cents, an artisanal collection of two tonics (Lemon, Regular); two sodas (Pink Grapefruit, Two Cents Plain) and one Ginger Beer. They’re what your glass has been waiting for. threecents.gr
20.
BRINGING ON THE GIN June 13th is World Gin Day. Resolve to try something local and new. We’re going for 58 Gin – if you’re in London, get a bottle too. 58gin.com
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Clutching at straws Cocktails are about fun, right? So why stop at the drink? Bring on the chuckles with a comedy straw – good times guaranteed. notonthehighstreet.com
BEING NIFTY 21 IN THE SPACE DEPARTMENT Q: How many great ideas can you fit into one bottle? A: Lots. The genius Bin 8 includes a funnel, lemon squeezer, spice grater, egg masher, grater, bottle opener, egg separator and measuring cup – amazing on so many levels… amazon.com
RETHINKING THE ESPRESSO MARTINI Not the recipe but the vessel it’s served in. Mix things up by drinking Dick Bradsell’s classic out of this super-posh espresso cup – all of the taste with a little more oomph. deviehl.com
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Tuning into happy radio Have you heard Steve Schneider’s podcast yet? We urge you to get involved. Tune in for musings on the people behind the bar and all kinds of cocktail shenanigans. schneideyshow.com
MAKING AWESOME HAPPEN
23
Flying the blue flag Not only was it a key colour on the catwalk it’s shaking things up in the bar as well. We’re talking blue cocktails – get them in!
25
Another rad product from Johnnie Walker Red Label: the glass that plays music through your jawbone! Don’t ask, just try it! On the menu at Call Me Mr Lucky in London until 10th May. callmemrlucky.com The Cocktail Lovers - 9
IN-terview
IN THE HOTSEAT
JO MALONE MBE JO MALONE PRIDES HERSELF ON HER INNOVATIVE WAYS WITH FRAGRANCE. AND AFTER NEARLY 21 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS, SHE NEVER DISAPPOINTS. HER SHOP JO LOVES FEATURES FRAGRANCES BLENDED IN ‘SHOTS’, HAS A CENTRAL BAR TOP AS ITS COUNTER, TREATS ITS CUSTOMERS TO A SHOWER GEL PREPARED IN COCKTAIL SHAKERS AND THIS MONTH OPENS A BRAND NEW, INNOVATIVE COCKTAIL CANDLE STUDIO. WELCOME TO HER VERY FRAGRANT WORLD. Most people know Jo Malone the brand, who is Jo Malone the person? We’re one and the same – the brand is an extension of who I am without a doubt. When people come into the shop I want them to feel like they’re walking into my home. Which of your scents best captures your spirit? Pomelo captures the person I am more than anything I’ve ever done. It’s got staying power. It’s not overriding but you know that it’s in the room. I love the fact that 10 - The Cocktail Lovers
it’s a scent that adapts to any situation. I can wear it to a black tie dinner with diamonds or with shorts and flip-flops on the beach. How and when did fragrance become your world? I’m horribly dyslexic, if I wrote you a letter you probably wouldn’t understand it, but if I wrote that letter in a fragrance it would tell you a much better story. Sense of smell has always been a paint-brush to my life – it translates people, colour, music – everything. It’s always been my predominant sense. I can’t drive very well, swim or tell my left from right to be honest but I can create great fragrance – I didn’t choose fragrance, it chose me. Your name is synonymous with style – did you set out to create a stylish brand? I didn’t set out to be anything other than myself. My products are my genetic fingerprint. I like simplicity – some of the most stylish things to me are simple – think of Chanel packaging. For me style must have a heartbeat – it’s not just about beauty, it’s about integrity.
IN-terview
In your opinion, what are the biggest differences in our appreciation of scent and flavour now from when you started out in the industry? We’ve become much more entrepreneurial. When I first started putting lime and basil together in a scent everyone was shocked, it's now become the norm but there’s still so much more we’ve yet to uncover. When I became a retailer 21 years ago people appreciated creativity, they demand it now – people want you to walk ahead and show them the way. Customers expect experiences and storytelling these days and that pushes us to be more creative. Most of your Jo Loves fragrances call on single or two notes as the basis – do you think less is more when working with scent and flavours? What you smell is one or two notes but there can be 50 or 60, sometimes up to 100 ingredients in one fragrance. Like a soloist, the more pared back, the more simple it seems, the more polished it has to be – something like Pomelo has to be note perfect. You’ve looked to bars and bar tending as the thread running through your service style in the Jo Loves store, how did this come about? I was sitting in the bar at the Four Seasons in New York, one of my favourite places in the world. I love being there on my own and allowing my mind to run in any direction she chooses. On this particular occasion I was struggling with a fragrance called Mango – I wanted that ‘just-peeled-and-pop-it-into-your-mouth’ scent. I noticed the bartender was using shots of things to make the perfect cocktail and wondered if I could take a ‘shot’ of a note and pour over the Mango. I did. And it worked. Please describe the service style at Jo Loves and how the ‘bar’ works in the store. It’s a tapas bar for the nose. People love sitting at the bar – it’s a great place to engage, entertain and be entertained. At Jo Loves customers sit at the bar and we treat them to a four-course ‘tapas’ experience. We take their hand and refresh it with a hot cloth scented with bath cologne – it’s presented in a tagine and we lift the lid to release the aromas. This is followed by a shower gel mixed up in cocktail shakers which we paint onto the hand. We then paint on body lotion which has been prepared in a veloute gun for a lovely billowy feel. We finish with the customer’s favourite scent. It’s good to use products as entertainment and not just to buy – if you give someone their first kiss with a brand they never forget it. You’ve said that retail is theatre and ceremony, do you think the same ethos applies to bars? It applies to anyone in retail or hospitality otherwise everywhere becomes a museum. Conversation and engagement are what makes the difference, that and bringing some theatre into the space – is it that you spray your napkin with the most amazing cologne, or
bring different genres to the bar? Maybe you bring a bit of Paris to the centre of London – it’s important to be creative and do things in an unconventional way. Have you been inspired by ingredients found in spirits/cocktails for your fragrances? We have a new range of candles launching in May and they’re very much inspired by cocktails – the number one is going to be A Shot of Mojito, it’s so clean and fresh. What can bartenders learn from the perfume world and vice versa? I don’t know, let’s throw out the challenge and see! I’m open to collaborations – when you put creative people together, great things happen. I’d like to spend a week in a bar blending cocktails and see where it takes me. If you were to use your famous nose to concoct a cocktail, which ingredients would you look to and why? I’d love to use the new fragrance which I’m launching in September in a cocktail – I can’t talk about it yet, but it’s going to change everything. From my current collection it would be something with Pomelo, she’s my best friend. I’d like to create something amazing that goes with Sauvignon and Kir. You describe your nose as your paintbrush, do you believe bartenders can/do apply this philosophy to the way they approach creating cocktails? Yes, Salvatore Calabrese is a perfect example. Gary my husband and I used to go to his bar at The Lanesborough hotel every Sunday night and he would make us the best Martinis ever – it was like painting a picture in a glass for your mouth. He is a genius. Which of your fragrant candles would you advise to: a) Scent the home for a cocktail party? Mojito with A Shot of Chargrilled Lemon or with A Shot of Mango for a fresh mint, lingering aroma. b) Create an inviting environment in the bar for guests? Fresh Fig with A Shot of Lemongrass for a clean walkedacross-an-Italian-meadow freshness. c) Relax a deux with a glass of wine? Oak Moss & Galbanum or Arabian Amber for a warm, rich, sensual scent. Do you have a favourite cocktail? A Bellini in Harry’s Bar, served with tiny pizzas. What next for Jo Loves? I feel like I’m on shopkeepers journey with the Candle Studio which opens in May – I think it’s going to be a game changer. I also think the 'tapas' idea is really going to travel, plus of course we’ll be celebrating 21 years in retail in September – very exciting times ahead. Jo Loves… 42 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9NZ. T: 020 7730 8611. joloves.com
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