While the martini will always be a classic, over the last few years, the drink has had a resurgence. While it may seem simple, crafting the perfect martini takes skill. Ultimately, it comes down to the ingredients, technique and presentation. “A well-made martini elevates a good spirit and shows the true color of a bad one,” explains Tasso Ferreira, co-founder of SEVENTY ONE Gin. “It is the essential beginning to every unforgettable night.” Suffice to say: martinis are the talk of the town, and SEVENTY ONE Gin is one of the brand’s leading the charge. What started as an idea quickly blossomed into a celebrity-loved gin brand, making its way into the hottest bars and restaurants around the world.
A fantastic night is precisely where SEVENTY ONE Gin was conceptualized. “Mert was obsessed with bringing gin to the most extraordinary moments, the ones you remember forever,” he says. From there, the two embarked on a journey that explored new distillation techniques, exotic botanicals like the Queen of the Night (a flower that only blooms for just one night a year) and the use of casks in gin making. “All of it crafted in pursuit of the perfect night,” says Ferreira. “From the very beginning, we were relentless in our pursuit of perfection in the liquid, in the bottle and in the places we wanted to partner with. This vision became our passion, one that resonated with our partners, who believed that gin can be much more.”
With celebrity fans including Madonna, Joan Smalls and Irina Shayk, it’s safe to say that you can find Ferreira and his team frequenting some of the buzziest spots in every city. To find out some of the chicest spots in London, we asked Ferreira to share some of his favorites. Ahead, Ferreira shares the perfect place to spend a Sunday and his favorite hidden treasure bakery, alongside some of the best martini spots in London.
The best martini spots in London, according to the co-founder of SEVENTY ONE Gin.
At Sloane
For a night filled with mystery and sensuality, Ferreira recommends a visit to At Sloane. Dubbing it a hidden gem to be discovered, he says it embodies the elegance of Jean-Louis Costes—pure beauty. “The cocktails are rouge and the martini is golden,” says Ferreira.
Chiltern Firehouse
As the birthplace of SEVENTY One Gin, Chiltern Firehouse will always hold a special place in Ferreira’s heart. “This iconic venue played a significant role in giving a sense of belonging to SEVENTY ONE,” he says. “The nights are fantastic at Chiltern! Niko Pertinos, Chiltern’s bar director, is a genius and embroiderer of the overall experience with creations that define late night in London.” (At the time of publication, Chiltern Firehouse is currently closed due to a fire that occurred in February.)
The Connaught
According to Ferreira, The Connaught is the temple. “The Golden Martini, crafted by Ago Perrone, brings craftsmanship and devotion to a new height,” he says. “Poetry in all senses is a must.”
Harry’s Bar
Ferreira raves that Harry’s Bar is a family affair. “Luciano Procu’s impeccable hosting and the team’s attention to detail (they know my name and precisely how I take my Martini) transforms every dinner into something personal,” he says.
Mr Chow
For a late night filled with friends and interesting conversation, Ferreira adores the upstairs at Mr Chow. He advises pairing a SEVENTY ONE Lychee Martini with their amazing dishes.
The Corinthia
With a seductive piano bar, The Corinthia pays homage to its heritage. “The cocktails are a work that only a Maestro could orchestrate,” says Ferreira. “Have several of them, try them all.”
Hedonism Wines
Housed in Mayfair, Hedonism Wines has a robust selection of vermouths, bitters and mixing glasses that make it easy to craft the perfect martini. According to Ferreira, it’s Disneyland for martini lovers. “The part that stands out to me the most is the extensive range of vermouths and bitters, making the martini more colorful and exciting, transforming a classic into something so unique.”
Other non-Martini-specific recommendations
Claridges
Ferreira swears that Claridges on a Sunday is perfection. “Their classic roast, served in the chicest way I have ever seen,” he says. “It makes the quintessential British experience.”
Marchesi 1824
Beyond the restaurants, hotels and bars mentioned previously, Ferreira says that Marchesi 1824 is a hidden treasure. “This iconic Italian pastry shop is pure indulgence to the palate and to the eyes, and it takes tea time to chic aperitivo,” says Ferreira. “ We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with them in the past, in an edition of their secular Panetone and an ice-cold SEVENTY ONE Golden Martini last Christmas.”
.