There were no shortage of entrants in the Grey Goose Dream Bar competition but, according to PR Paula Berrera, only one clear winner. Step forward Joe McCanta, head bartender at London’s first, and as far as we know, only plant-based restaurant.
He totally blew the judges minds with his vision of a thoroughly PC, very 21st century bar designed to sit pride of place in Saf’s minimalist urban garden.
According to the people at Grey Goose, it was his originality and passion that won him the opportunity to have his dream come true; that and his mission to mix cocktails with the freshest of herbs, fruit and spices picked straight from the bar’s own garden. How 2009 is that? You can almost feel the boxes ticking themselves. Trendy? Check. Good to look at? Check. Innovative? Check. Inventive cocktail list? Check. Self-sustainable? Check. In fact, if it was any greener, this place would be positively emerald.
Designer Nigel Peters made Joe’s vision come to life, using cedar as the basis of what must be the chicest garden shed in town. We sampled three of the dozen or so cocktails on the menu and we’re happy to say, they tickled our tasebuds in a very agreeable fashion. Each drink was created with chef-like precision and carefully flavoured with key ingredients from the garden such as lavender, purple basil, bergamot, passionfruit – even hops. The plan is to keep the whole outdoor vibe going throughout the year but enjoy to best effect during the summer – we certainly will be.
