NEW BARS
***The Knave of Clubs may not be a bar per se but it sure is a hot, new drinking destination. In its former life, it’s what we Londoners call ‘a right ol’ British boozer’, much-loved by nearby traders in Club Row. Now, after 30 years since it last served as a pub, the Grade II-listed building has been lovingly restored into something jhuzhy and rather fabulous with all of its pub credentials in tact.
To drink? Everything from Double Diamond on tap (if you know, you know), pints of Guinness, wine, full-fat, low and no beers and a selection of classic cocktails. To go with? Think of your dream bar snacks and you’ll find them here, we’re talking the likes of venison sausage rolls, prawn scotch egg, Irish oysters, toasties and oh-so dreamy rotisserie chicken.
***The Perry Hotel Naples in Florida gets a sprinkling of Lynnette Marrero’s magic by way of the cocktail menu that she’s curated for its late-night rooftop cocktail lounge Easy Tiger. Each drink has been created to complement the Hong Kong-inspired dishes by Chef Dale Talde and includes the likes of the Li Chi Sour with Miss lemongrass shochu, chrysanthemum and lychee.
NEW SERVE
Take six bowls, three mezcal expressions from The Lost Explorer and myriad botanicals sourced from around the Amazon River and leave to infuse for up to 36 hours and what do you get? In the case of the Amazónico Lost Explorer Infuser launching at Amazónico in Dubai and London on 1st March – two very new special cocktails.
‘Ica’ marries Espadin and Salmiana expressions with chicha mirada, membrillo, pineapple and spices, while ‘Javari’ is an infusion of The Lost Explorer Tobalá, Mexican papaya peppercorns and marigold tea.
The bespoke infuser is designed and built by the boffins at Global Bartending and the cocktails are the creation of Head of F&B at Amazónico, Giannis Apostolopoulos.
NEW BOTTLES
***We can’t give our views on the liquid inside purely because we haven’t done a tasting but we sure do know a sexy looking bottle when we see one. Talk about a thing of beauty, this sculpted ceramic vessel is home to Callum 03, the second (of six) in the Annandale Callum series of Single Cask Single Malts which sees the design skills of former Aston Martin and Jaguar F-Type designer come together with the whisky know-how of Professor David Thomson. And quite frankly, if the contents are anywhere near as good as the packaging, we’re sold. Available in a limited run of 227 bottles.
***Look out spirits, there’s a new range of mixers in town! But the big question is, what difference will the products bring to your glass? Apparently, quite a lot. Or so the makers of Clearer TWIST are proclaiming. Born and raised in northern Ireland and now launching in the UK, they say the magic is in the high alkaline water (pH 9.4) used in its products, resulting in less sugar and fewer calories. Choose from Tonic, Ginger Ale and French Pink and judge for yourself.
NEW ESSENTIAL VIEWING
We’re not betting people but even we’d be willing to put good money on the latest project from Mr Lyan Studio being a massive hit. Announced last week and coming to a screen near you from 26th March, it’s called Mr Lyan Taste Trips and it’s a travel series that sees Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan) doing exactly what the title suggests.
Make a date to tune in to see him showcasing the people, places, products and amazing stories, traditions and flavours from his pick of the places we should all know more about. Of course, being the multiple award-winning bartender that he is, as well as food, cocktails feature big time. First up: Japan, with Scotland, Mexico, London and New York to follow.
The series will be broadcast in the US on ReachTV, as well as globally on Mr Lyan’s Taste Trips dedicated YouTube channel and Instagram.
NEW REPORT
Talk about community, Celebrate Her set up by Anna Sebastian has become one of the largest, most influential global platforms for women working across all areas of the drinks industry. As well as being a valuable source for connection, information and insights, Celebrate Her is making the most of its reach by embarking on a new, first of its kind, global survey that will give valuable insights into all aspects of the industry.
It’s a biggie, covering the vital stuff, such as mental health, parenthood, safety, diversity and inclusion, and it’s something that we encourage everyone working in drinks to take part in. From bartenders and owners to brand ambassadors, managers to buyers, journos to PRs, all voices and experiences are very much welcomed. And as it’s French, Spanish and Chinese, there’s no excuse.
The survey, led by Celebrate Her, Allegra Global and GCA, is available for six weeks after which the responses will be analysed by CGA’s expert team and the findings shared with industry media, leaders and the wider drinks scene.
Survey available here. Do it, you know it makes sense.
AND ALSO
Diary Dates:
6th March: Actions Speak Louder Than Words – Engaging in meaningful change.
The Spirits Business International Women’s Day discussion and drinks at The Guards Bar and Lounge at Raffles at The OWO, featuring Hebe Richardson, Siobhan Payne and Hannah Sharman-Cox and Anna Sebastian. Register to attend by 3rd March.
7th & 8th March: Cognac Show, London. With over 250 cognacs, plus calvados and armagnacs available to sample; plus masterclasses, talks and cocktails. (Trade sessions: 7th March: 12-4pm):
Reasons to be cheerful…
4th March is…Pancake Day. Enjoy some of the absolute best, made by 2- and 3-Michelin-starred chefs in the UK no less, at Moor Hall; Midsummer House; Opheem and Ynyshir, all paired with Billecart-Salmon Champagne.
8th March is… International Women’s Day. Enjoy cocktails at one of our favourite female-owned/led bars around the word including The Clover Club, and Milady’s, New York (Julie Reiner and Susan Federoff); Tokyo Confidential, Tokyo (Holly Graham); The Pontiac, Hong Kong (Beckaly Franks); Mostly Harmless, Hong Kong (Ezra Star); Ego Death, Manchester (Cressida Lawlor); Doña, London (Thea Cumming and Lucia Massey); Happy Accidents, Albuquerque (Kate Gerwin); Selva, Oaxaca (Alexandra Purcaru); Cafe Arixi, Mexico City (Maura Milia); Brujas, Mexico City
