Once upon a time, in the heart of London, there was a magical cocktail bar called St James Bar.
Inspired by Coco Chanel’s 1920’s Paris appartment, it was aluxurious and elegant place, with a dark marble bar, velvet seats and painted paneling.
The bar itself was a bit of an alchemist’s den and hosted a myriad of little vials.
Bitters, shrubs, syrups and liquors lined up on mirror shelves, each a key component for the fairy tale cocktails concocted by the gifted team of bartenders.
The cocktail menu, taking inspiration from classic tales, read like a fables’ book and making a choice was no easy fate.
Should I follow Peter to Neverland or Pinocchio in his mischievious adventures?
Should I watch in awe as Belle’s & the Beast’s love unfold before my eye or join Alice in her race with the White Rabbit?
But in the end, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so it had to be the Satine’s Dilemna.
Combining sweet and sour flavours, this subtly floral cocktail arrived topped with red rose petals and an edible diamond.
Just like it’s namesake, it’s entrance definitely made an impression!
A heavenly mix of Botanist gin, rose syrup, plum bitters, lemon juice, homemade grape shrub and bitter foam.
And just like Satine’s aspirations, it’s perfectly balanced.
My second choice was a bit wilder – but that’s just how life is when you’re a Lost Boy Girl!
A playful take on the classic Negroni, the Fear O’ Clock is a great representation of the story of the boy who doesn’t want to grow up.
And on that note, tick-tock, time’s up!
Race you to St James Bar for Friday celebratory cocktails?
St James Bar at Sofitel London St James, 6 Waterloo Pl, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4AN
Cake and Whisky 