Three London Bars
Recently, I went to London with three companions. To be more precise, I went to London with three guys who enjoy a good glass or two of booze. To be even more honest, I share their interests, as well as an abiding love of the London theatre. If I want to shop or view a few canvases at any of the outstanding London museums, or perchance to stumble on a fabulous London bookstore, there sure as hell better be a nearby pub for these guys to water their horses. Their interest in books is a dark void and if you keep them in the dark too long, they get testy. Museums are to be tolerated only if I’m buying the next two rounds.
Two rounds in London can ruin your purse. Pints of beer run about $6, but if you go where we go for late night exquisitry (don’t waste your time on a Google search, I made that word up, but what the hell, so did Shakespeare. Time for your spritely comeback, yes? “Stroud, you’re no Shakespeare!” You’re correct. I don’t write plays. I also don’t wear tight stockings, or use 16thCentury words. BUT, I do make up a few words of my own.
Speaking of Shakespeare, why did he write with a pen instead of a pencil? Because he couldn’t decide to use 2B or not 2B.
But, it’s time to cut the gab and get back to some hard currency drinking.
I had a Manhattan at the following celebrated drinking establishments:
The Bar at the Connaught Hotel
Duke’s Bar at Dukes Hotel
45 Jermyn Street (pronounced German Street)
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| Yes, these dealerships were in the same part of London as the upscale bars. |
By the way, in many London upper crust watering holes, be sure to dress well, and as a minimum, for men, proper shoes, proper slacks, and a sports coat.
Connaught Bar
Numerous accolades, most recently ‘Best Bar in the World,” an award the bar has won a number of time. The décor is extraordinary, and set in a world-renowned hotel. The bar was crowded the night we wandered in, and no doubt celebrities were randomly strewn in groups here and there, but who can notice when standing back to back at the bar, and when you’re led to your drinking nook, there’s a good deal of privacy.
The barmen were friendly and efficient. We ordered a mojito, a dirty martini, and two Perfect Manhattans. By the way, PERFECT is not a comment on the quality of the libation, but the name of the drink. I’ll give you recipes further down the blog.
This is a blog about Manhattans, so I won’t vouch for either the martini or the mojito, but I heard no complains from my friends. My Manhattan was very very good. A strong, sipping drink, with just a twinge of sweetness. Total cost for four drinks: $145, tip not included.
On to Duke’s Bar
It may interest you to know that Duke’s Bar is where James Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming went to quench his thirst. And, Duke’s bar is the place to go for a Vesper Martini. At a bit over $27 per martini, you may want to write several best sellers before you go. Also interesting is Duke’s martinis are neither stirred nor shaken. I wrote earlier about Duke’s, so I’ll give you a link and move on to Manhattans.
The chief barman is Salvatore Calabrese, an Italian, well known as the best barman in London, and a celebrity in his own right. Yes, Duke’s has won ‘Best Bar’ also!
Our Manhattans were smooth and very sippish. No criticisms noted by any in our drinking party and I noticed none of the other customers smashing glasses or grabbing waiters by the lapels.
Finally, we get to 45 Jermyn Street.
Unlike the other two, which had the feel of ladies and gentlemen’s clubs, 45 Jermyn Street is a bit more relaxed, the place you’d go after an invigorating haircut and beard shaping at Trufitt & Hill, the world’s oldest barbershop, located in nearby St James.
Perhaps, a few of the 45 Jermyn Street customers just had a flock of shirts made by famous ‘bespoke’ shirt maker, Turnbull & Asser (also on Jermyn Street).
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| Mustafa and the Perfect Manhattan |
We sat at the bar, mainly because I like it there and I also like to chat with the bartenders. Ours was Mustafa, a Turk raised in London.
It’s worthy of note (or I wouldn’t note it!) that London is not just a melting pot, but a crossroads of east and west, north and south. Walk down any London street and you’ll hear the nearly silent whispers of Japanese, the raucous sounds of Italian and Spanish, or languages I’ve never heard before, imported from across Europe, Africa and the middle east. What a delight!
I’ve had my hair cut by a man from Cyprus, but just as Londonish in speech and manner as anyone London born. Italians run many of the posh bars, including the one I mentioned, Duke’s bar.
Mustafa is the same. I asked where he was from, but not because of accent or outward appearance. Oh,no. Mustafa is a London gentleman, pure and simple.
And now we come to Manhattans at 45 Jermyn Street, of which I have written before.
Mustafa made the best Perfect Manhattan of the lot. I’ve tried to copy it at home and came close, but not quite point on. Barely sweet, but strong and most of all delicious! Sometimes a drink, like an exquisite meal, lingers in memory. Mustafa’s Perfect Manhattan is like that. For my taste buds, it’s heaven in a goblet.
Best of all, Mustafa gave me his recipes for three types of Manhattans: Sweet Manhattan, Perfect Manhattan, and Dry Manhattan. I have to add, he used Four Roses as the base liquor.
See what gifts I’ve given you? A tour of some spectacular drinking establishments and a recipe for an evening of heaven in a glass!
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