Heddon Street Kitchen

Walking into Heddon Street Kitchen, it’s not razzle-dazzle but there’s a certain charm. It has that industrial New York feel from the exposed pipes to it being a big and bustling place, similar to sister venue Bread Street Kitchen in the City. For those who like that combination of raw and exposed elements with modern chic, it’s a textbook example of perfectly executed design work for that brasserie genre.

The bar is towards the rear and the drinks menu is filled with different serves, but it remains unfussy and easy to find something for everyone. The bar team know their stuff, but aren’t precious about it and in doing so, make for an easygoing drinking experience. Critically for you booze hounds - the bar is separate so you can stop by just for a drink and don’t have to book for dinner (although with the open kitchen - you may get hungry looking at what is being served up right under your nose!). While their menu will change from season to season, here are three drinks we felt were worth talking about and if you can’t make it over to enjoy one first hand - to make at home.

Avoca–Lypto Spritz

This is, by far, the best Brunch time gin drink we’ve tried in ages. The gin version of a Bloody Mary (a Red Snapper) has been a stalwart for many boozy weekend mornings, but has always meant those who aren’t partial to tomato juice feel left out. Also, sometimes you just want bubbles and let’s face it - mimosas are tedious. The Avoca-Lypto Spritz is that rare beast - a perfect balance of fresh morning zing (lime juice and avocado), light lashings of booze (gin and Elderflower liqueur) and an uplifting Prosecco top. If making at home, the mint garnish may sound like an extra but the fresh aroma adds to the ensemble.

It’s an easy drink to sip before an indulgent brunch or a great cocktail to try on a warm summer afternoon. Light, delicate and perfectly balanced.

Recipe:

30ml Bombay Sapphire Gin

15ml St Germain Elderflower Liqueur

20ml fresh lime juice

10ml sugar syrup

1/4 of a large fresh avocado

75ml Prosecco

Garnish with a Mint leaf

Method:

Muddle the avocado in the shaker, add all other ingredients except Prosecco.

Shake hard and double strain into a coupe and top with Prosecco.

Garnish with a mint leaf.

The Lady Regent

Fresh and clean - The Lady Regent is the type of cocktail that suits all. Hendrick’s, peach and elderflower bring the floral high notes, but the mint, lemon juice and cucumber garnish underpin it bring it back to a delicate but balanced flavour.

It didn’t “wow” us in the same way that the Avoca-Lypto Spritz did, but it’s a drink that works well as a spring time serve (elegant, light and fresh) and one that eases you into the night should you be meeting friends or at home, entertaining friends.

Ingredients:

40ml Hendricks Gin

10ml Ruinquinquin a la Peche (peach liqueur)

25ml Fresh lemon juice

20ml Elderflower cordial

6 mint leaves

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice and double strain into a coupe.

Garnish with a cucumber ribbon.

Ziggy, Weird and Gilly

One to be tried to be believed… Much like the name (from Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars) - there’s quite a lot going on but somehow - it just comes together. Blackcurrant and basil… Who’d have thought it? Sharp yet herbal. Trust us - give it a go.

Ingredients:

40ml Bombay Sapphire Gin

20ml Martini Rosato

20ml Fresh lemon juice

15ml Blackcurrant syrup

5 basil leaves

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice and double strain into a coupe.

Garnish with a basil leaf and edible flower.