Friday 19 June marks National Martini Day – and London’s love affair with the iconic cocktail shows no signs of slowing down. These are the 10 best martinis in London.
While purists will find plenty of spots across the city where they can indulge in the classic version of a martini, it’s the places that are experimenting that have got us all in a twist. Frozen pours served at sub-zero temperatures; infusions of lemon verbena, dill, tomatoes; subtle nods to the sea – there’s a martini for every drinker’s palate.
Many Londoners will tell you that Dukes in St. James’s is London’s must-try martini. 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 while Dukes still deserves its legendary status, it’s far from the only player in town. From Soho institutions and New York imports to some of London’s latest openings, here are our tried-and-tested favourites that will forever prove the martini’s enduring appeal: bold, unapologetic and always glamorous.
Dante Mayfair: The New York Import
Having spent years cementing its reputation as one of New York’s most beloved drinking destinations, the Dante London outpost has quickly become a popular spot in its own right. So much so, in fact, that what began as a residency last year has now secured a permanent home inside Claridge’s. The drink that captures the spirit of the bar best is, unsurprisingly, the Dante Martini. A crisp classic pour, served ice-cold and perfectly balanced, it delivers everything you want from a martini. If you’re staying for dinner, freshly shucked oysters, shrimp cocktail and an impressive seafood tower await, alongside a selection of classic American dishes.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho: The World’s Coldest Martini
This Soho institution is famous for its glamorous interiors, indulgent menu and, of course, its now-iconic “Press for Champagne” button. But just this once, we encourage you to to put the bubbles aside and order a martini instead: Bob Bob Ricard is serving the ‘World’s Coldest Martini’. Poured at an icy -22°C and served straight from a frozen bottle with no ice, it arrives tableside courtesy of Bob Bob Ricard’s white-gloved waiters, ensuring zero dilution and maximum impact. The mixologists have undertaken extensive experimentation to deliver a silky, crystal-clear drink; guests can choose between Reserve Vodka or Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, finished with an olive or twist, allowing the drink’s remarkably smooth texture to take centre stage. For martini purists, this is one for the bucket list.
Lilibet’s - Lemon Verbena Martini
One of the most memorable restaurant openings of last year, Lilibet’s occupies the Mayfair address where Queen Elizabeth II was born. Glamorous, playful and a little eccentric, it serves up excellent food – and is home to a great martini menu. Rather than completely reinventing the classic, Lilibet’s offers a series of thoughtful twists, from a Burnt Tomatini to an Oyster Shell Martini. My pick, however, is the Lemon Verbena Martini. Made with lemon verbena-infused No.3 Gin and Mancino Secco Dry Vermouth, it’s delicately fragrant, refreshingly crisp and is a great choice for a summer evening. Here, one martini often leads to another, and before long you’ll find yourself ordering the unexpectedly delicious anchovy éclairs or their must-try lobster mash. An indulgent treat.
The Sea, The Sea - The Sea Martini
If you’re a seafood lover, make a booking at The Sea, The Sea. An established Chelsea favourite thanks to its fishmonger, deli and seafood counter, the team has recently expanded across Pavilion Road with a beautiful new bistro. The menu, which changes regularly depending on the catch of the day, is exceptional, but it’s the aptly named The Sea Martini that earns it a place on this list. Made with Isle of Harris Gin, Vault Marine Vermouth and Capreolus 1000 Trees Apple Eau de Vie, an unaged fruit brandy distilled from fermented apple cider, it manages to capture something subtly coastal without veering into gimmicky territory. Clean, savoury and lightly saline, it’s perfectly matched to the restaurant’s shellfish-led menu. Order one alongside a plate of oysters and settle in.
Town and Motorino - Dill Boy Martini
Some restaurants have a signature dish, Stevie Parle’s Town, and its younger sibling Motorino (led by executive chef Luke Ahearne and recently securing a place in the National Restaurant Awards Top 100), also have a signature cocktail – the Dill Boy Martini. Together, the restaurant duo have earned a reputation as two of London’s sexiest tables – great food served in glossy, bustling dining rooms. And the Dill Boy Martini? It’s also been heaped with justifiable praise (it’s one of my current favourites). Mixing Chase vodka with dill aquavit and dry vermouth, it takes the classic dirty martini and nudges it in a fresher, more herbaceous direction. The dill brings in a unique savoury note without overpowering the drink, resulting in something dangerously moreish. The good news? You don’t need to book a full dinner to try one. Town has its own standalone bar, making it just as suited to an impromptu pre-theatre or late-night martini.
LAVO
Partnering with Grey Goose this summer, The BoTree’s stylish LAVO restaurant and bar has transformed their indoor-outdoor terrace into a sun-drenched Italian escape. Stop by for refreshing martini cocktail packed with unexpected sweet and savoury flavours – from an earthy truffle concoction to a peanut butter cake flavour. The lunch menu features an array of seafood surprises, including a decadent seafood platter; a generous portion of oysters served with limoncello mignonette; a lip-smacking, tomato-rich vodka pasta for mains; plus a whole seabream served tableside. For dessert, be sure to order the 12-layered peanut butter chocolate cake as a special treat – though the tiramisu is just as exquisite. Zana Wilberforce
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 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.
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’.
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 The Elizabeth
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 The Elizabeth, 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: Bob Bob Ricard
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