Maybe you were introduced to Dukes Bar – London by Phil Rosenthal, the star of the Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil. Maybe not, and if that’s the case please let me share my experience at this special bar with you.
Duke’s Hotel is tucked into a secluded street in the heart of the St. James district. Within is their bar where Alessandro Palazzi reigns, the maestro of the martini and director of the bar program.
Englishmen, Women and Gin
The English love their gin, more so than other countries and that makes them my kindred spirits. Gin culture is woven into the fabric of the nation from medicinal, political and naval history. While distillation is regulated it is primarily to ensure safety in production and for consumption. You can buy a bespoke gin, choosing your botanicals and distilled right before your eyes – at the department store.
Dukes Gin Selection
Twenty varieties are kept on hand, ranging from 40% to a potent 50% ABV. Some are widely available like Beefeaters, Tanqueray and Bombay. Others are limited to distribution within the UK and a few previously unknown to me like Sacred, Artingstall’s and Cotswolds.
One shot of gin from the menu is priced between £14 and £17. Remember this and read on.
The Trolley Cart and Martini Service
The finest bars in London use a trolley cart to perform the ritual of martini service tableside. At Dukes it’s done in white jackets, black ties, pants and patent leather shoes.
Here you receive what Alessandro proclaims to be the best martini in the world for the bargain price of £25. Why is it a bargain? I will explain.
The Dukes Bar – London Martini
Dukes martini is served extra dry using a gin of your choice, but the house gin is Sacred, made at a local craft distillery. The gin, English vermouth and a classic v-shaped glass are all stored in a freezer. Crafting a martini using frozen ingredients maintains the proper ice-cold temperature while you sip and savor this very special drink.
Alessandro and his team serve hundreds every day and each contains six full ounces of gin. Now you understand why it’s a bargain!
The Ritual
A crystal glass, frozen alongside Sacred London dry gin and Sacred English vermouth with a bowl of Amalfi coast lemons arrive on the trolley cart. Alessandro places a few drops of vermouth in the glass. then carefully turns the stem to coat the inside of the bowl and dramatically flings any remains away. Next, he pours the frozen gin that emerges cold enough to become a syrup, filling the glass just below the top. To finish, he peels a large strip of lemon zest, expresses the oil on the surface, places the peel in the glass and presents it to his guest.
Good Night Sweet Prince
Dukes enforces a two martini limit, but if you recall, this is twelve ounces of gin. The limit is to ensure you drink responsibly and make it home safely. I had only one as my nightcap and was grateful for the very short walk to my home away from home in London.