Imaginative new drinks at Seed Library, a fun-filled bar takeover at Side Hustle and Valentine’s Day at Dear Irving and Velvet at the Corinthia…
New menus
…This week the team at Mr Lyan unveil the fourth menu at their Shoreditch neighbourhood bar Seed Library. And it sounds like it’s going to be a goodie. The twelve new cocktails (inc four non-alcs) are the result of 12 years of innovation and experimentation, “reflecting the team’s mission to redefine the boundaries of cocktail making and discover one-of-a-kind flavours.”
The drinks sound equal parts intriguing, delicious and just the right side of bonkers. We’re looking forward to trying the Asteroid Garden (Fords gin, pink meteor wine, apple blossom and tundra tea); Nuka Cocktail (Maker’s Mark, quince ripened in a bed of microbes, aperitivo blend and sunflower), Corn Yuzu Mule (Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, NP hot sauce, very cool cucumber, lime and ginger soda), and what about this one: the Cloud Sour (Botanist gin, fluffy citrus, faux gras koji, elderflower and melon without melon). Super cool, super curious and unapologetically Lyan. Review to follow.
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…As well as launching its new menu, this week Kioku announced a change of name. Nothing too drastic mind, more of an emphasis on the star of the show of this Japanese bar – the 100 or so types of sake. So, rather than just Kioku, it’s now Kioku Sake Bar. As for the drinks, the menu takes in the likes of Daikon Gibson, Ume Adonis and Matsu No Ki Martini – all featuring, you guessed it, premium sake.
New bars
…Okay, it hasn’t officially opened but this week Chris Tanner and Edwin Frost announced their brand new venture, Bar Cáv coming to Paradise Row in Bethnal Green, London on 1st March. And we’re liking what we’re hearing so far. £7 House Martinis anyone? Drinks at those prices, particularly coming from these two, will definitely be a hit with the Hackney crowd.
We also hear that the menu will be split into three sections: One-Sip cocktails (always a winner with us) and Signature Cocktails, which do exactly as as they say on the tin. Then there are what they’re calling ‘Sharers’, a selection of 12-15% ABV cocktails, created as an alternative to wine. As for food, they’re playing it smart and keeping it interesting with a kitchen residency series where they’ll collaborate with emerging talent in the industry, kicking off with Tasca, showcasing flavours of Spain and Portugal.
And also…
…Surprise, surprise – the weather isn’t looking particularly great this weekend in London but over at Side Hustle, beach club resort vibes are guaranteed courtesy of Casa Sol from Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort in Turkey. Group Beverage Manager Shavinraj Gopinath will be serving a selection of sunshine-tastic drinks including the Balmy Cobbler ((Los Siete Misterios Mezcal, balsamic berry shrub, lemon, pineapple juice and soda) and Cashew Later (Michter’s Bourbon, Cointreau, lemon, orange, cashew orgeat and coconut foam). From 6-9pm on Sunday 9th February.
Industry news
…Get your entries in for:
– (Global) The film industry has the Oscars and the drinks business has the Spirited Awards. One of the biggest differences between them is, you can make sure you’re in the running for an award by nominating yourself for the category/ies you feel you deserve. Whether you’re a bartender, bar owner, brand ambassador, brand owner, drinks journalist or author, forget being modest and get those nominations in! You have until 13th February, so do it now!
– (UK) One more reminder to get your noms in for this year’s CLASS Bar Awards. taking place on 21st May. Categories include Emerging Bartender of the Year, Bar Manager of the Year, Front of House Star of the Year, Bar Employer of the Year and Sustainable Practices Award. Entries close 17th February.
Coming up…
New on the calendar, we like to think of the BCB London Roadshow as an amuse bouche before the main course that is the inaugural BCB London, taking place in Tobacco Dock from 30th June-1st July. Expect unmissable talks from a selection of industry experts, plus fascinating insights and plenty of networking opportunities when BCB London Brand Ambassador Jack Sotti and BCB Director of Education Angus Winchester call in on the follow cities:
- Manchester – 24 February 2025
- Edinburgh – 25 February 2025
- Birmingham – 24 March 2025
- Cardiff – 25 March 2025
- Dublin – 31 March 2025
- Belfast – 1 April 2025
The BCB London Roadshow is free of charge and open to everyone working in the hospitality industry across the UK and Ireland. Register in advance to secure your spot at barconventlondon.com
Reasons to be cheerful…
14 February is… Valentine’s Day
Get the drinks at… Dear Irving are offering a Cupid’s Corner Price Fixe at their three venues in New York. The $137.76 per guest (plus tax) fee includes a glass of Champagne, choice of two speciality cocktails per person, choice of Mediterranean platter (vegan) or charcuterie and cheese platter, as well as a surprise gift.
In London, Velvet at the Corinthia gets our vote for hitting the perfect balance between sophisticated and downright sexy without ever having to try to hard. Your Valentine will absolutely love it.
