This summer, the sunny terrace on the Fifth Floor of Harvey Nichols has been transformed by the Tanqueray No. Ten team into a rooftop haven for Martini addicts. Like the Martini itself, the terrace is a simple space with monochrome furniture, black-and-white photography, and a mix of Astroturf and real greenery. In the evening, the lighting is flattering and there are cosy Tanqueray-branded blankets if you want to snuggle up and watch the sunset. The views are nothing to rival Paramount but the people-watching is first class.
Drinks are served with a theatrical flourish, with a clued-up bartender mixing tableside from Art Deco bottles on a black chrome drinks trolley. My companion chose the Basil Berry Crush, served long, with fresh strawberries, basil and Tanqueray muddled with apple juice and St Germain elderflower liqueur. Topped up with Champagne over plenty of crushed ice, it’s a decadent summer drink, and thankfully not too sweet.
I went for the ‘Evolution of the Martini’ flight (£15) - three classic tipples served in mini glasses. You begin with the Martinez, the godfather of the Martini dating back to 1887, before moving on to The 1903, a smooth and silky creation with zesty orange undertones. Finally, the Perfect Ten, with subtle hints of grapefruit and chamomile. Thanks to the quadruple distilled Tanqueray, these slip down easily, with none of the harshness you get from inferior gins. Our only criticism? They could have been colder. The trolley is a lovely idea, but the spirits really need to be super-chilled.
If you’re hungry, Fifth Floor chef Jonas Karlsson has put together a brief menu of dishes inspired by the citrus and botanical notes of Tanqueray No. Ten. Snack on seasonal asparagus with sauce vierge or tuck into mini venison burgers or sautéed tiger prawns with citrus and ras el hanout. If you fancy something sweet, there’s rhubarb and apple crumble or a retro chocolate fondue with candied grapefruit and marshmallows.
If you’ve got guests to impress, you can book the plush white booth where up to 6 cocktail aficionados can share the ‘Ultimate Martini Experience’ - a private cocktail master class, 3-course dinner and Martini kit to take away, priced at £500. Not exactly a cheap thrill but well worth it.
The Tanqueray No. Ten Terrace is open until the end of July. It's proving popular in the warm weather, so book ahead by calling 020 7201 8786 or email novella.alessandrini@harveynichols.com.
will be heading there for my birthday i think!
Posted by: Juliet Mcdermott3 | June 03, 2010 at 03:55 PM