db drinks: Sexy Fish

db’s latest liquid adventure takes us to Sexy Fish in Mayfair, where we’re wowed by mermaids, giant fish tanks and a treasure trove of exotic cocktails.

The concept: While the name sounds like the kind of curious juxtaposition the Surrealists would make up, owner Richard Caring was adamant that his next restaurant would be called Sexy Fish. Chided at first, the name stuck, and the glitzy venue in Berkeley Square has quickly been catapulted to fame, overtaking the Chiltern Firehouse as the celebrity spot du jour. As the name suggests, the venue is both sexy and fishy – the Asian-inspired seafood offering is really rather good.

The décor: From the marble floor to the burnt orange leather booths, interiors are opulent and lavish. A turquoise mermaid designed by Damien Hirst languidly keeps watch at one end of the bar, while a giant crocodile crafted by Frank Gehry crawls along one of the walls. The look was created by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, who also worked their magic on the recent refurb of The Ivy.

The cocktails: Head bartender Matteo Cazzaniga, who boasts a white tuxedo and waxed blond moustache that would make Dalí proud, has taken inspiration from China, Japan, India and Indonesia in his ambitious menu of exquisitely crafted exotic cocktails.

Split into four sections: The Middle Kingdom, The Land of Gold, The Silk Route and The Gulf of Siam, the drinks take you on a journey through the orient via unusual ingredients like kaffir sherbet, miso, yuzu, saffron, ginseng and even curry.

Many of the cocktails make use of the bar’s impressive Japanese whisky collection – one of the largest in the world. 

Signature sip: Competing with Gareth Evans for the punniest cocktail names, the Miso Thirsty features Hibiki whiskey, Kamm & Sons, plum, miso and a lotus crisp. The Bruce tea meanwhile, blends Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila, goji and Campari, and is served in a teapot billowing with chrysanthemum smoke.

Those of an adventurous nature should brave the Curry Me Home, made with Chivas Regal 12 Year Old, Ardbeg, kumquat shrub, curry and egg white. Our personal favourite was the Dai Kirin, a refreshing twist on a Daiquiri featuring Havana Club 3 Year Old, yuzu, ginger, lemongrass, absinthe and matcha foam.

The food: While tables can be hard to score at the restaurant, the entire menu can be enjoyed at the bar, which, on our visit, was the buzziest place to be. Most of the dishes are designed to be shared – the California rolls coated in avocado, and the Isle of Mull scallops with jalapeños and pickled green apple served in their shell are both a must, while the salt and pepper Cornish squid with fresh lime had us licking our lips.

Who to know: If you’re incredibly well connected, then it’s worth having Richard Caring on speed dial. If he can’t land you a table at Sexy Fish then he can always get you into one of his other chic venues, from Le Caprice to The Ivy.

Don’t leave without: Heading downstairs and gawping in wonder at the two giant coral reef fish tanks in the private dining room complete with tropical fish in vivid hues like canary yellow and electric blue. It’s straight out of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet when the star-crossed lovers meet at the Capulet knees-up. If there’s a private event on, open the door anyway and pretend you lost your way.

Sexy Fish, Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR; Tel: 020 3764 2000

Click through for a gallery of some of the signature sips and their recipes.

Bruce Tea

 Blending Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila, goji and Campari, this quirky creation comes billowing with chrysanthemum smoke.

Raja Gin Fizz

Jaipur Julep

Duck & Luck

Shipwrecked