7 of London’s finest cocktails and where to find them
From doing your best Bond at Dukes Bar, to working your way through the Negroni menu at Sartoria, this is how you should ring in February
Words: Jonathan Wells
The end is in sight. The post-Christmas slog of Dry January has seen you brace yourself through New Year’s Day, Blue Monday and many more tough spots to make it to February.
So it’s time to celebrate. Get planning now and you can embark upon an epic bar crawl come the end of the month. And, for such a momentous achievement, you should only be sipping the finest drinks money can buy. As such, we’ve rounded up our favourite cocktails in London — all of which come at a discounted rate for Clubhouse members. So first sign up, and then drink up…
Try a Mark Gertler at The Bloomsbury Club
A delectable blend of Chivas Regal 12yr, Byrrh, Luxardo Maraschino, Orange Bitters, the Mark Gertler is named — like much of the Bloomsbury Club Bar’s drinks menu — after an artist and member of the Bloomsbury Set. And, if you’re feeling peckish afterwards, head upstairs to the Coral Room, where Clubhouse members can get 50% off food.
Sip at a White Mouse at The Stafford London
Over the years, The Stafford has played host to a number of very special guests — among them Nancy Wake, the most decorated servicewoman of WWII. Her nickname lends itself to this cocktail, The White House — a blend of gin, champagne and rosemary syrup. To follow your cocktail, enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne with the A La Carte menu if you’re a Clubhouse member.
Savour a Vesper Martini at Dukes Bar
The bar in the Duke’s Hotel in St James, London, truly makes one of the best martinis in the world. And, what’s more, it is home to the Vesper Martini — an intoxicating blend of bitters, Lillet Blanc, Potachi Vodka, Gin and Orange Peel.
If you indulge in too many, Clubhouse members also get a 10% discount on room rate.
Enjoy a Purple Rain at Launceston Place
With St Germain elderflower liqueur, Portobello road gin and lavender syrup involved, this is a sweet, simple and thoroughly sophisticated way to see in February. And, if you’re looking to carry on the night, Clubhouse members get a complimentary glass of fizz to keep things bubbling along.
Explore the Negroni menu at Sartoria
If you’re looking for an alcohol-fuelled odyssey to see you out of Dry January, there’s arguably no place better than Sartoria, and their Negroni menu. From the Classico and Delicato to more exotic Japanese and Sbagliato, there are five twists to test. The best bit? Clubhouse members get 25% off.
Immerse yourself in the Myths & Legends menu at Avenue
A drinkable journey from South America to Asia, this new menu is exciting to say the least. Our pick of the legends-inspired list? The White Tiger, a blend of Belvedere vodka, oriental syrup and bergamot bitters garnished with lemongrass and ginger. If you’re dining alongside, Clubhouse members also get 20% off the A La Carte menu.
Order a Q Project at Quaglino’s
The latest cocktail menu at Quaglino’s, named The Science of Sustainability, take you on an educational journey inspired by environmental causes. Our favourite of these green cocktails? The Q Project, an intoxicating blend of Havana 3, Trois Riviere, Sous Vide Banana, Amontillado Sherry, lime and chocolate bitters. The best bit? As a Clubhouse member, you get a complimentary cocktail per person.
Wine more your thing? Here’s how to decant, according to a top collector…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
