Where To Experience Savoury Cocktails, London’s Hottest Trend
Shorter, stronger cocktails like Negronis, martinis and Old Fashioneds have been in vogue for the last few years, supplanting fruity, sugary drinks as the chicest cocktails around. But lately, bartenders have been taking the savoury up a notch, and embracing the salty over the sweet. Whether that’s adding potato, seaweed or celery to martinis or cheese to Bloody Marys, we’ve rounded up the best places in London for those who like their cocktails briny.
Lyaness Bar
Unfiltered Martini
Lyaness, the riverside Sea Containers bar, is known for its wacky creations, and this one has quickly become a favourite. An off-dry Martini made in the most bonkers way yet simply expressed through barley and, we quote from the menu, ‘very good potato’.
If that isn’t weird enough, pair it with some potato ice cream.
where: 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
Website: lyaness.com
Julie’s
Green Tomato Martini
Another martini, another Grey Goose number, but the one at Julie’s is made with clarified tomato component, horseradish and celery shrub, and tarragon oil, offering a complex, savoury and slightly fiery twist on a classic.
135 Portland Rd, London W11
website: www.juliesrestaurant.com
Montcalm
Georgian Martini
Yet another martini. At Lilli by Akira Back, inside Montcalm Mayfair’s Georgian garden–inspired interiors, the Georgian Martini is the star of the menu. Crafted with vodka, Cocchi Americano, samphire, and a garnish of oyster leaf, this coastal twist transports you to the samphire-lined Georgian shorelines, delivering a delicate hint of the sea with every sip.
where: 2 Wallenberg Place, London, W1H 7TN, UK
Website: www.montcalmcollection.com
Richmond Hill
Chilli martini
They’re putting chilli into everything these days – margaritas, even white wine – so why not a martini? The number at Richmond Hill comes with extra heat as well as chocolate bitters, lemon zest and gin rather than vodka
Their putting chilli into everything these days, so why not a martini
where: 144-150 Richmond Hill, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6RW
website: www.144onthehill.co.uk
Three Sheets
Earth Martini
Three Sheets is an insider favourite, beloved by bartenders when they’re off duty, so you know it’ll have some provocative concoctions on tap.
Step forward the Earth martini, made with Belvedere vodka, beetroot, olive oil and dry vermouth, with olive oil-washed vodka and beetroot eau de vie for a crisp and, yes, earthy flavour.
where: 13 Manette St, London W1D 4AP
website: www.three-sheets.co.uk
Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese
The Enigma
The Enigma at The Corinthia bar is created in collaboration with Salvatore Calabrese and combines olive distillate, hazelnut brine, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and Grey Goose Vodka, creating a dry and lingering savoury experience.
where: Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
website: www.corinthia.com
Lavo
Bloody Mary
You either love or hate a Bloody Mary, but if you love them, then Lavo’s behemoth is one to try. Salty, savoury and fiery, it’s made with Grey Goose vodka and a hit of pecorino romano for added savouriness – plus, it comes packed to the rafters with prawns, celery, olives.
where: 30 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2DR
website: www.thebotree.com
Le Petite Maison
Tomatini
You know you’ve created a winner when people specifically seek out your establishment to try the cocktail only you have invented. The tomatini is made from vodka, Campari tomatoes, white vinegar, salt and pepper, and just a pinch of sugar to make sure it’s not too savoury. It may be trendy now, but it’s been a menu staple since 2007, so it’s well ahead of the curve.
where: 53-54 Brook’s Mews, London W1K 4EG
website: www.lpmrestaurants.com
