This year’s London Cocktail Week was bigger and better than ever, having moved east from its former home in Seven Dials to Spitalfields indoor market. The new venue has enough space for a plethora of pop-ups by some of London’s best bars, and some of the world’s finest spirits.
The view overlooking Sptalfields market – full to the brim with fine drinking!
We started the night at the House of Angostura – a pop-up overlooking Spitalfields market where the London heat of the Global Cocktail Challenge was being hosted. The bar was set very high – each bartender bringing outstanding combinations of flavour, ingredients and technique. The winner of the global challenge (the finals will be held next year) will win the incredible prize of becoming Angostura’s global brand ambassador, for two years!
George & Oscar enjoy a Blanche Fig Sour @Worship St Whislting Shop
Worship St Whistling Shop was the next on the list, where we were treated to a truly divine absinthe sour in the recently refurbished underground bar area; made with La Fée Blanche, egg white, lemon juice and fig liqueur. It must be tasted to be believed, so do try one if you find yourself at the Whistling Shop anytime soon (ask for Petr!).
Then we made our way to Callooh Callay, where the talented Liam Broom concocted a La Fée Parisienne sour using samphire syrup, egg white, citrus, tarragon oil and watermelon radish – one of the most impressive cocktails we have ever had the pleasure of imbibing.
Liam Broom’s Samphire Sour @Callooh Calley
La Fée is finding a home in many innovative drinks, with the power to transform a cocktail using only a few drops, or star as the base spirit when combined with other powerful flavours.Just as absinthe played an important role in the formative years of cocktail culture, it has a part to play in the ongoing trend are enjoying in the 21st century. Here’s to an even bigger London Cocktail Week in 2016!