Shaken? Stirred? Dry? Extra-dry? Dirty? We are talking Martinis here and the choice of how to bespoke this classic cocktail are endless. Here at Plate & Place we like it with a twist and ice-cold, no exceptions. So, in light of getting it ‘just right’ we have rounded-up some of the smoothest Martinis in the city…chin-chin!
Upstairs at Rules
‘Upstairs’ always feels like a secret bolthole that very few know about even though you’re right in the heart of bustling Covent Garden. This classic cocktail bar adjoins a delightful Winter Garden which is as soothing and tranquil as the sound of the cocktails being poured. It’s a genteel experience, for sure. However, it’s serious business when it comes to their Martini – ‘stirred never shaken’ is the rule at Rules!
Where to find Rules
Our suggestion
As well as an excellent Martini, try their ‘Duchess of Cambridge’ cocktail which is made with Pink Pepper Gin, Lillet, Grey Goose Vodka, Citrus, Rose, & Violet Powder.
Blue Throat
If you’re looking for a great cocktail south of the river then Blue Throat in Deptford Market Yard is just the ticket. This speakeasy style bar and restaurant is a local favourite with great service with a personal touch. Although the classic Martini isn’t strictly on the menu they will be more than happy to accommodate – I told you the service is good!
Where to find Blue Throat
Arch 2 Deptford Station, Deptford High Street, SE8 4NS35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, WC2E 7LB
Did you know?
If you’re feeling peckish, they have a great selection of small plates including the Tuna Tartare with avocado and Fried Calamari with Zucchini.
Dukes
Any list involving Martinis must include the perennially iconic Dukes Bar, and it’s legendary association with Ian Fleming, author of James Bond. It is said that the line “shaken, not stirred” was inspired by the author’s frequent visits to the bar. Unsurprisingly, the Martini here is exceptional and served table-side in an ice-cold glass that has been kept in the freezer overnight. It’s one of those drinks that has to be tasted to be believed.
Where to find Dukes
Our suggestion
Dukes is the perfect choice for a celebration so pair that classic cocktail with dinner at their restaurant, GBR.
Three Sheets
If you’re in the vicinity of Dalston you won’t regret a visit to this ultra minimalist and oh-so stylish cocktail bar with a menu of new and classic cocktails. The ‘Foraged’ martini made with gin, nettle and dry vermouth is a taste sensation and one of the best Martinis of its kind. Although we’re strictly looking at Martinis for the purpose of this article, the menu is too good not to explore and the ‘Picante’ is another of our favourites.
Where to find Three Sheets
We recommend
If you’re feeling peckish after a cocktails (and who wouldn’t be) just further down the street is Chick ‘n’ Sours which is the ideal venue for dinner.
American Bar at The Savoy
You can’t beat a classic served within a classic…does that make sense? Considering the American Bar first opened in 1893 we think the historic surrounds warrant a cocktail as classic as the establishment itself. This truly iconic bar has served everyone from Ernest Hemmingway to Marylin Monroe, and there’s nothing quite like a gin martini (our preference) in the company of this legendary room. What can we say…it’s cocktail perfection.
Where to find the American Bar
Our suggestion
Cocktails need to be followed by dinner in the recently re-vamped Savoy Grill. The Beef Wellington is one of the best we’ve tasted.
Experimental Cocktail Club
At first glance, you may wonder if there’s any sign of life behind the door with absolutely no hint of signage. We can assure you though that the hidden cocktail bar at the top of the stairs is well worth investigating. You’ll discover a 1920’s style speak-easy bar with sumptuous interiors and intimate corners, which feels a far cry from the sounds of Chinatown below. As the name suggests, it’s a place for ‘experimentation’ but no one would begrudge a classic Martini. If you are feeling adventurous, however, try the Martini Suissesse made with Absinthe, Vermouth and mint.
Where to find the Experimental Cocktail Bar
We recommend
Making a booking in advance as it’s always pretty busy – best to be on the safe-side.
Bar Termini
If you’re after a swift aperitif before dinner, Bar Termini, is the perfect pit-stop. This tiny but perfectly formed bar starts off as one of the best coffee spots in town during the day, eventually transforming into the place for an after-work cocktail. It’s a space where you’re compelled to mingle almost by the forced proximity, but it’s all part of the fun. Best of all, the aromatic Masala Martini made with Dry Vermouth and Almond Bitters is one of the smoothest cocktails in town.
Where to find Bar Termini
Did you know?
You can take away premade bottles of their delicious cocktails.
The Connaught Bar
Ah, this landmark hotel barely needs an introduction, and neither does the Martini, but let’s anyway. A visit to the Connaught Bar is a must for any cocktail enthusiast, let alone for their classic Martini. Voted no.8 Best Bar in the World in 2022 by The World’s 50 Best Bars is a pretty impressive accomplishment. This is a bar where you can truly relax and know that the finer details of mixology are taken care of. If you’re feeling flush, the Vintage Martini Cocktail made with Gordon’s Dry Gin 1970s and Martini Extra Dry 1970s is a glass of refined history.
Where to find The Connaught Bar
Did you know?
The Connaught’s house-distilled gin is available to purchase for the very first time. It makes for the most gorgeous, unique gift.
How To Make A Classic Dry Martini
It’s always useful to know how to make a fabulous Martini, and luckily for us, the brilliant people at Blue Throat (one of our favourite bars) have been kind enough to share the recipe for their in-house dry Martini. Now, we know it’s probably easier to visit a bar and have the experts take care of things, but in the event of a looming dinner party, or, if you simply want to impress, knowing how to make this classic cocktail is guaranteed to set things off in style.
Read on to discover the recipe for Blue Throat’s interpretation of the Classic Dry Martini.
In a cocktail mixing glass, simply add:
60ml – Gin of any choice
10ml – Dolin Dry Vermouth
2.5ml (half a teaspoon) – Green Chartreuse
1 dash – Orange bitters (Angostura)
Stir until properly chilled and pour into a martini/coupe glass (ideally straight from the fridge). Garnish with skewered olive or lemon zest twist.
Chin-chin!
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