Above: The Classic Cocktail Trio by Three Sheets
Okay, it’s time to regroup. Now that we’ve had a few days for the enormity of these ‘unprecedented times’ to sink in, it’s time to adjust to what’s to become our new normal. For now…
Yes, our favourite bars, clubs and cafes are closed until further notice but there are still ways we can all support them whilst keeping our own spirits up. And of course, ensuring that the quality of our drinking habits here in London don’t slip.
Olive Leaf Martini available at Scout
Bottled cocktails by top bars are definitely the way to go. If you haven’t sipped one before, now is the time to taste for yourself why the Mirror Margarita at Hacha Bar was voted 7th Best Cocktail in the World by Time Out. Demand has been so great for the crystal clear concoction that Deano Moncrieffe and his partner Emma Murphy have been cleverly batching up 500ml bottles (£45) for takeaway customers. Scout, meanwhile, have four reimagined classics on offer. Take your pick from a Scout Vesper, Scout Martini, Super Soaker Manhattan and The Ristretto Negroni, all available in 200 and 300ml bottles and delivered within a two mile radius of the Hackney located bar.
The Mirror Margarita available from Hacha Bar
If you fancy taking the entire evening off, having your food delivered along with a tip-top selection of tipples, tap into Shop Cuvèe. Last week it was known as Top Cuvèe but Brodie Meah and partner-chef Rob-Ray Cameron have done a sharp about turn with the business, transitioning it from a lively neighbourhood restaurant into an online deli and specialist supermarket. Smart move.
As of Tuesday 24th March you’ll be able to shop for everything from ready-meals and restaurant quality ingredients sourced from artisan producers, through to natural wines and craft beers. They’ll also be stocking crockery, linen, candles and the bits and bobs you need to make your table look the business as well as a choice selection of bottled cocktails.
Palo Santo Gimlet available from Shop Cuvèe
On the menu: the Palo Santo Gimlet from Tayer + Elementary. Available in 100ml single serve (£12), and 500ml sharing sizes (£45), these launched last week and have already proved to be extremely popular, natch. Pre-booking is strongly advised. We hear that another bottled cocktail from the T+E crew is coming soon, as well as new varieties from the Schofield Brothers. Watch this space.
In the meantime, there are plenty more goodies to take your pick from, including The Classic Cocktail Trio (two-serve 200ml bottles of Negronis, Gin Martinis and Old Fashioned, £40); French 75, 750ml (£45), and six servings of Negronis (three 200ml bottles, £40), all from the team at Three Sheets. Order through Shop Cuvèe or directly from Three Sheets. See details below.
French 75 available from Three Sheets and Shop Cuvèe
Then there’s Ladies & Gentlemen in Kentish Town. Their cocktail and cold pressed juice delivery service takes in the aptly named Quarantini (gin or Vodka-based), Zombies, and Corpse Reviver No. 2 plus classics, all at £6.50 each, (minimum order five). And if you’re off the sauce, get your vits in with the 700ml bottles of Ayurvedic juices (£5.50).
Drinks at the ready, there’s one more thing that you can do to support the hospitality industry and keep social. Connect with friends and share tasting notes over a virtual happy hour. When it’s over, everyone commits to donating the price of their drink to the group’s favourite bar. Simples.
Check out the links and hashtags below.
facebook.com/thevirtualhappyhour
instagram.com/thevirtualhappyhour
#TheVirtualHappyHour
Order details:
Hacha: hachabar.com
Ladies & Gentlemen ladiesandgentsbar.co
Scout scout.bar
Shop Cuvèe shopcuvee.com
Three Sheets threesheets-bar.com
