Mixology & Music, St James Bar Presents A Cocktails Playlist
“If cocktails be the drink of love, play on”, or something like that. Entering the St James Bar at Piccadilly’s Sofitel St James is like wandering into an underground speakeasy, with low level lighting, plush furniture and decadent wall art tipping nods to historical London.
Expert mixologists greet you at the bar and present you with an embossed CD case… Strange. Upon opening all becomes clear though, as the CD on the right details a playlist, and the book on the left presents you with images of some of the most famous faces in popular music of the last century.
We begin with a Space Cowboy. Hooked off the hat-wearing, late 90s acid-jazz band, Copperhead Gin, rose syrup, lemon juice and absinthe and blended with Taylor’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port and presented in a glass adorned with flamboyant feathers vibrant and tickly enough to water any eyes. The taste is sweet and refreshing, not too strong but light and enjoyable.
Next up is the 90s adaptation of Elton John classic Candle in the Wind – an homage to the late Princess Diana, the Lady D. Served in a weird green Tiki-like portrait glass, this drink tastes nothing like you expect. Classic rhubarb vodka and rhubarb liquer are fused with spiced Pothecary gin, lemon juice, homemade macaroon and cassis syrup then poured over ice with Angostura bitters and soda. A world away from the dreary streets of London in the autumn, the Lady D is sunshine in a glass. Speaking to our server we discover this was his creation, and originally inspired by Oasis anthem What’s The Story Morning Gory. A much more fitting match in our humble opinion, and the Morning Glory it will always be to us. Imagine that being served in a glass with Noel Gallagher’s face on. Actually, maybe don’t.
Finally we indulged in a Feel Like A Bomb – an homage to AC/DC and everything High Voltage. Served steaming with dry ice in a jet black box this energetic and
explosive cocktail contains gin from the band’s homeland Australia. Four Pillars spiced negroni gin blends well with Cointreau blood orange, Lillet blanc and peach bitters to create a tangy and tasty drink. Strong at the start the taste fades with the smoke somewhat, but is still enjoyable.
Dimly lit but buzzing with chatter, the St James Bar is a space to relax in. Pop in for one but stay for much more, it’s a laid back lair in which to enjoy a moment of calm just seconds from the bustle of Piccadilly.
Having had the time to stay we would have tried a Spice of Californication Mezcal, Cointreau and Green Chartreuse concoction and hat-tip to US rockers Red Hot Chilli Peppers, but alas, the Black Cab was calling. But with 11 more tracks to try, and several more months in which to do it, getting through the St James Bar playlist album shouldn’t be too taxing on anything, except maybe our heads the day after.
Salut.
