Claridges

The Bar

I am at my favourite place in the whole world! Claridges – it has been a fixture on my London jaunts since forever. I settle in to one of the comfortable seats on my final day in London. This place never loses its charm.

Some complimentary nibbles are brought out to start the afternoon.

I decide its time for a cocktail and I choose a particularly enticing one at that.

Some Apples Get Eaten

Smashed Apple and Sage, Remy Martin VSOP, teapot bitter, lemon and egg white.

The cocktail is a wonderful concoction of beautiful apples, the herbal touch of the sage, the velvety grace of the cognac with its distinctive bite and the citrus and bitters tang which balances the sweetness which combines in unison with the fluff of the egg white.

I always make it a point of having something from their bar menu. It is truly a beautiful experience indeed. I opt for their signature Chef’s dozen.

The Chef’s Dozen

(1) Quail Egg Tartlet with Truffle and Herbs
(2) Tuna Tartar with Serrano Ham
(3)‎ Confit Duck Rolls with Spiced Plum Jam
(4)Tempura Prawns with Chilli, Carrot and Soy

The platter looks oh so appealing and I can’t wait to start the taste experience!

The earthiness of the truffles and richness of the quail egg proves oh so enticing and a treat to consume. The soft jelly like tuna with its distinctive taste melded with the salty, smoky minerally flair of the serrano. The confit duck spring rolls ooze the rich oily fat and flavour of the duck with its fall apart textural overlay nicely combining with the associated crunch of the roll. This is then completed with the sweet “jam-like” plum sauce. Finally the prawns have a super crispy style batter with a succulent juicy meat inside which embraces the spice and smoothness in its chilli and light soy sauce companion.

Genus Apis Cocktail: “Latin for Honey Bee”

Fresh Mint, Pomegranate, Honey Water, Bourbon served as a julep

This cocktail has the aesthetics box ticked completely – that red pomegranate gazing at you a super shiny silver cup – there something alluring about it. The drink travels on freshness with the mint, pomegranate and honey combining with a truly refreshing flow. The strength of the bourbon acts as a nice balancer and a wonderful signature to end the afternoon.

I close off the afternoon, wave goodbye to the wonderful staff at Claridges and find myself heading back to my hotel for my flight to Japan – Tokyo here I come!