I survived another London Bar Show. It may not seem like a difficult thing but those English Bartenders can sling back a few cocktails and let's not even talk about Tequila! Every year I look forward to the London show as I really think it is one of the best shows around. Mind you, I have heard great things about the Sydney and German Bar show. Needles to say there is always something to learn or see in London as savvy Bartenders from around the world fly in to impart their knowledge or cocktail recipes.
Wayne Collins was on hand in the Maxxium suite Mixing the "Magnificent Seven" cocktails which he believes has it's roots to every modern cocktail we see today. I have reason to believe this man as he is dedicated amongst a handful of other Bar Historians to learning everything he can about the Past, Present and Future when it comes to mixed drinks. He also had a small handy ice ball machine on hand which was quite spectacular. It would literally take a small square piece of ice and turn it into a perfectly round ball of solid ice within 20 seconds. It fits perfectly in your old-fashioned glass and works wonderfully with a small dram of Macallan. I unfortunately could not pry the machine away from him but should have better luck next time.
Papa Jules from Mahiki Tiki Lounge has a Booth dedicated to Rum Tiki cocktails although Booth is probably not the right word. It was a tennis court size replica of the beach with tons of beach sand flown in to set the mood. It was brilliant as you would step on the sand enjoy a Tiki drink and forget that the London city sprawl was only a few meters beyond those walls.
We had a very cool booth set-up for Partida so people could just come
and take a seat and chat about Tequila as well as enjoy a taste at
their own leisure. Tequila was definitely the "hot spirit" at the show.
The Three Tequila Amigos, Julio Bermejo, Thomas Estes and Phil Bayly
set up a "Embajada de Tequila" where they did day long Tequila
seminars that where constantly packed. They have set out to teach the
world about 100% Blue Agave and they are doing an Incredible job of it.
Beefeater Gin was hosting bartenders at their Distillery in the heart
of London. They where running London Cabs in true British style from
the show to the Distillery so that you could get away and enjoy a
Beefeater and Tonic as well as a Cucumber sandwich. They also had some
of the Best Mixologists from around the world holding cocktail
seminars. I attended Gary Regan's seminar and he is a joy as ever to
see behind the bar free pouring and cracking jokes.
Now that was just the day time. Nights where filled exploring some of my favorite London Haunts. I made it to LAB on my first night out and it was great to see this small SoHo bar still as energetic as ever and blasting out fresh cocktails. I wish some people could see this bar in action at it's busiest. I went to go visit my friend Charles Vexenat at the Quo Vadis Club a new Members only bar. I must say it was quite hard to get into but worth it to see Charles behind the stick. They chip all their ice here from large blocks. It is quite impressive.
Montgomery Place is always on my list of bars to see as Agostino Perone is one of London's best. This bar posses magic and sets you at ease once you walk in. Agostino is a Maestro and serves beautiful cocktails.
We had to visit Salvatore at Fifty. Every time I go there I have to
take a peek behind the bar. He has the best back bar set-up and has
designed some of the equipment himself. It is a bartenders dream. It
shows you what can happen if someone puts a little thought into their
bar equipment. Salvatore is the perfect host and his staff are truly
professional and passionate.
I also found time to stop in at Green & Red for a Cheeky Tequila as well as a relaxed drink at Milk & Honey, Lonsdale House and many other favorite spots. I can't wait to get back to London. It is always a pleasure to enjoy cocktails in this city with some of the worlds best bartenders in action. Happy mixing!!! Cheers - Jacques Bezuidenhout
I've been into different places but bars in London are more great compare to any other bar in the world. The bar show plus some gimmicks are awesome
Posted by: attractions events | January 25, 2009 at 10:23 PM