Thursday 19 June marks National Martini Day – and these are some of the best martinis in London right now.
The iconic martini is firmly back in the spotlight and across London, bars are shaking and stirring their own takes on the drink, traditionally made with just two ingredients: gin and vermouth.
If you were to ask a long-time lover of the sophisticated sip where to find the best in town, Dukes in St. James’s would likely be the default answer. It’s where Ian Fleming – the creator of James Bond, who is arguably the world’s most famous martini drinker – drank them. Ordering a martini here is very much an experience, served with flourish and flair.
But, despite Dukes’ pedigree, it’s far from the only player in town. Across the city, bartenders are reimagining the classic with unexpected twists, clever ingredients and inventive spins. These five tried-and-tested favourites prove the martini’s enduring appeal: bold, unapologetic and always glamorous.
A Classic With Fries At Brasserie Max, Covent Garden Hotel
Martinis with fries is a New York trend that we are very on board with and at Covent Garden Hotel’s Brasserie Max, bartenders offer the crispy, potato treat up as a complimentary side during their weekday Martini Hour (5-6pm); a golden window when martinis are priced at £14. Pull up a stool at the bar and choose from a classic sip or a house creation, which include the Mr Martin with black olive brine, the delicate sake-infused Saketini, or the floral Rose Martini made with Salcombe Rosé Dry gin. A satisfying way to spend apéritif hour.
The Curry Leaf Martini At SOMA
SOMA, by the team behind Kricket, are known for innovative takes on classic cocktails inspired by Indian flavours, and, right now, their Canary Wharf bar is serving a standout twist on the martini. Named the Curry Leaf and created by their head of beverage Will Rogers, it blends Baller Vodka with curry-leaf brine and saffron for a savoury, aromatic taste and take on the traditional style. For a limited time only, it’s garnished with a piece of Kricket’s cult-favourite Keralan Fried Chicken (KFC), in celebration of National Fried Chicken Day (6 July). “A martini is all about the spirit, so choose something decent,” advises Rogers, when discussing how to make the drink at home. “For the vermouth, keep it minimal: swirl it with ice to coat your mixing glass, then toss the rest,” he continues. “Always chill your glass, freezer-cold is ideal. I like mine vodka-based and a little dirty”.
Shaken With History At The American Bar, The Stafford
If walls could talk, The American Bar at The Stafford would have plenty to say. This St. James’s bolthole is made for clandestine trysts and decadently good night-caps, especially of the martini variety. Their classic serve is no-frills, no-fuss and all finesse, with an option to use the bar’s own house-distilled gin, created in partnership with Hawkridge Distillers. The space is smooth, sophisticated and seriously grown-up, still channeling the discreet glamour from its 1920s origins, and it also has a courtyard for a peaceful respite from the bustle of the city. All these things, plus their delicious martinis, make it a great choice for that ‘one last drink’. From 4 July, they’ll offer their own take on the “New York Happy Meal” – a classic martini paired with golden, seasoned fries for £25. A simple pleasure, done exceptionally well.
The Oyster Shell Martini At Fallow
Fallow has amassed a huge fan base for its original, innovative menu – but its cocktail menu is also worth a look. Their Oyster Shell Martini is a clever, sustainable twist on the classic, made by steeping vodka with oyster shells to impart a subtle, saline depth. The result is bracing, briny and just a little wild. Served beneath tendrils of seaweed draped over the central bar, it’s as close as you’ll get to the ocean without leaving Piccadilly, and an absolute must for oyster lovers.
The Bloody Martini At Ganymede
Tomato cocktails are en vogue and right now the fruit can be found on cocktail menus at many a hip London spot. It also happens to be a key ingredient in my absolute favourite martini in London (if you asked me to commit to just one!). Tucked away in an unexpected corner of Belgravia at Ganymede, their bloody martini – a spicy, umami-laced riff on the classic – blends the best of the martini and the bloody mary, but is far more elegant than your average brunch serve. A satisfyingly savoury pick-me-up, it is both punchy and dangerously moreish making it the perfect cocktail for a pre-dinner aperitif.
Lead image: Fallow
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