St James Bar at The Balcon (inside the Sofitel London St James) has recently launched a new Spring/Summer Collection of cocktails.
I enjoyed sampling some of the playful and sophisticated drinks on offer in the plush surround of this elegant bar inspired by Coco Chanel’s 1920s Paris apartment.
Highlight of my sips was bartender Matteo Giannuzzi’s Jekyll & Hyde. Featuring Woodford Reserve, Sauternes infused with Nuit d’Eté tea, gum syrup infused with rooibos, Antica Formula, lime juice, Angostura bitters, and egg white, the cocktail is served in a point-bottomed glass resting atop another filled with smoke that’s released into the air when you lift the top glass to take a sip. In addition to the spooky theatrics it’s a tasty concoction.
Two other drinks wowed as well. L’Orangerie by bartender Cedric Calle
(Dictator gin, Bulgare tea syrup infused with rosemary and orange peel, Chase Marmalade vodka, Mastiha Roots, lime juice, and orange bitters) was a delicious quench of a one up attempt on an Old Fashioned. Bartender Nicolo Catalano’s Papa’s Cocktail (Johnnie Walker Black Label, Metaxa 12, Amer Picon, Dry Vermouth Riserva Carlo Alberto, honey syrup, peach bitters and dry peach foam landed a balanced and powerful wallop on the palate.
All drinks from the Spring/Summer Collection are £16 each.
Service was impeccable, cordial, helpful and swift during my visit to this luxurious setting to the side of the lobby at the lovely Sofitel London St James hotel.
St James Bar is located at The Balcon restaurant at the Sofitel London St James, 8 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5NG. Find out more at thebalconlondon.com.
