Something’s stirring in Islington…
Rick: Dirty Martini, the capital’s vibrant (and increasingly fashionable) bar group, has brought its brand of decadent nightlife zeal to locations such as Bishopsgate, Clapham, Covent Garden, Hanover Square and St Paul’s.
I travel to buzzing Upper Street, Islington where the latest addition to the Dirty Martini empire has recently thrown open its doors.
What’s this one like, you ask?
The Atmosphere
Immediately the decor is lush and rich with a swanky air of urban sophistication and large scale modern stylish artwork splashed wall to wall. The low comfortable lighting creates a relaxed intimate setting to unwind within.
Yeah, its nice in here and perhaps we are a little under-dressed [Ed: UNDERDRESSED4LYF] as this smacks of either a post work hangout or a place to indulge before flinging yourself further afield onto the clubbing circuit.
After being seated, we spend some time sipping Prosecco, curiously leafing through an extensive list of cocktails in a heavy, leather bound menu.
A DJ plays music from the CD decks placed in the centre of the room. As much as I dislike Daft Punk as much as a chopstick in the eye
(Space rip off…) this was but an iota of inconvenience for the array of drinks to choose from….’
The Drinks
Jack opts for one of the ‘dirty classics’ – The Old Fashioned – which isn’t a blue seaside postcard but a blend of Woodfords Reserve Bourbon, sugar and Angostura bitters.
Whereas I go for the Black Pearl. Partially because of the ingredients and partially for the Pirates Of the Caribbean namesake. A three year old Havana rum, Kings ginger liqueur and muddled black berries. This is priced at £9.75
The Black Pearl sails in. It is superb. A cocktail stick like implement is hooked over the side of the frosted glass with three blackberries impaled upon it which I eat immediately, like a kid. *chewing noises*
It’s a a long drink and filled with crushed ice and berries… like an alcoholic ice smoothie. Very refreshing, good summer cocktail, plus 10/10 for presentation.
After perusing the menu again I choose The Blueberry Shrub Martini from Dirty Martini’s ‘Our New Collection.’ This consists of Beefeater Gin, Briottet Crème de Mure liqueur, Briottet Crème de Violette liqueur and a homemade blueberry shrub and lemon juice. It’s priced at £9.00
At last it arrives and by god it’s worth the wait! Very sweet. I didn’t know what a shrub was until now. Apparently its a mixture of vingered syrup with spirits. If you haven’t tried you must. One of those cocktails so tasty you just want to down it all in one – but have to prevent yourself from doing so and looking like an overzealous Shane MacGowan at happy hour two minutes till armageddon.
The Verdict (in brief)
For cocktail lovers on a night out I couldn’t recommend this more. Great venue for birthday parties too. Yeah, its a little expensive but sometimes, if you want to treat yourself…you have to put your hand in your pocket. Dirty Martini know what they’re doing and they do it well.
…although I can imagine a lascivious James Bond type smarming around in here and ending up having a threesome.
