The week in pictures

This week in the world of drinks: we visit newly-opened Soho bar Zoku, Sarah Jessica Parker travels the US to thank customers for supporting her wine brand, and Douglas Blyde visits handsome nineteenth-century Mayfair pub, The Audley.

We visited the newly opened Zoku bar in London’s Soho for canapés and cocktails. Inspired Japan’s Roller Zoku fashion tribes, Zoku boasts an inventive cocktail menu and live DJs until late. We couldn’t get enough of the creamy, citrus-y, sweet and sour Kumquat Kampai, pictured below.

Hollywood actress Sarah Jessica Parker has embarked upon a tour of the US to thank consumers and the hospitality industry for the support of her wine brand, Invivo X, SJP. Cofounders Sarah Jessica Parker, Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron toasted four years in business together through their inaugural “Invivo X, SJP Tour”.

Behold, the unexpectedly uplifting ceiling created by artist, Phyllida Barlow at handsome nineteenth-century Mayfair pub, The Audley. Brought back to life by owners, Artfarm, which also oversees The Fife Arms, Braemar, and The Roth Bar & Grill at Hauser & Wirth Somerset. Other details that Douglas Blyde discovered in the ground floor saloon include the premise’s original clock and a framed carving knife.  Snacks here include pickled eggs from a large jar, smoked eel and horseradish on toast, and oysters on the half shell – playlisted by head chef, Jamie Shears, whose career took him from 45 Jermyn St. to 45 Park Lane then here, at 43 Mount Street. The upstairs dining room opens shortly and connects to a suite of themed private dining rooms. Here, you might spot mine host, David Nichter, also formerly of 45 Jermyn St. On tap is London Pride from Fuller’s and Sambrook’s. (theaudleypublichouse.com)

Independent bottlers That Boutique-y Whisky Company celebrated their 10th birthday with a party at Merchant House in the City of London. The first impression was a classic 10th birthday theme – cakes, crisps and pass the parcel – but the spirits showcased made for a rather more grown-up occasion.

Old-school, spirit forward cocktails married Boutique-y’s premium selections with Merchant House’s expert mixology, while Peter Holland provided variety with pours of Boutique-y rum. The star attraction, however, was Dave Worthington’s showcase of their 10th Birthday range.

With guests shepherded through secret doors and winding passages, the feel was more of a clandestine party than a project launch. Dave began with their Birthday Blend, a grain forward 10yr accented with a lick of 25yr Islay, before a journey of off-piste casks, underappreciated distilleries and rare styles. The flight visitedFrance, Germany and Taiwan (to name a few) before a finale of decades aged Scotch. With old favourites revisited and new styles uncovered, the newly released range is carefully selected, undeniably eccentric and distinctly Boutique-y. 

Grapes left on reed mats for making Tschida’s Zweigelt schilfwein. Neusiedlersee, Austria. From a trip this week to Austria.

It’s been a busy week over here at db, but we want to know where you’ve been, and where we should visit next. Let us know!

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