London’s Rock & Roll Bar is Reborn
LONDON (21 October 2021) – A quintessentially British establishment since 1892, The Gore London is a luxury boutique hotel where history still happens. Relaunched this month is Bar 190, an original Victorian wood-panelled room where the bar takes centre stage and the new cocktail list is a contemporary take on The Gore’s past and present.
Masterminding the libations is new Bar Manager, Santo Borzi, who has over 20 years experience of mixing cocktails and getting the party started in some of London’s most celebrated bars and restaurants.
Drawing inspiration from The Gore’s illustrious history the new signature drinks menu starts with a feature cocktail celebrating the hotel’s Grand Beginning in 1892. Called Miss Ada and Miss Fanny, the cocktail is a twist on the classic Club Cocktail from 1892 using vacuum distilled 18th century liquorice and vermouth made with English wine and wormwood. The cocktail is named after two sisters, Fanny and Ada Cooke, who founded The Gore in 1892 and were descendants of the great British Explorer, Captain James Cook. The feature cocktail will be regularly updated to introduce events and personalities that have played a significant role in The Gore’s history.
The remaining ten signature cocktails present a mix of classics with a playful twist, such as The 1738 Martini, inspired by a happy accident in Cognac, and Sailor’s Sour, reinvigorated with the tropical influence of Caribbean Spiced Rum. A particular emphasis is placed on the presentation of the cocktails. A particular showstopper is A Cold Day in Queen’s Gate, a flaming take on a Hot Toddy.
Signature cocktails at Bar 190 are priced from £10-15 and the current list includes:
ENGLISH AFTERNOON – £15
English Afternoon takes its inspiration from the traditional blend of teas originating from India, China, Africa & Sri Lanka. Afternoon tea blends are often lighter than breakfast blends, being designed to complement, rather than mask the flavour of the afternoon tea meal
Chapel Down Bacchus Gin, Cointreau, Earl Grey Tea, English Lavender, Rose, Lemon Juice, Agave Infused Rosemary
TOASTED SESAME SMOKED OLD FASHIONED – £15
Home sesame oil washed single malt whiskey brings an Eastern influence to a Western classic
Sesame Oil Washed Eagle Rare 10 YO Bourbon, Brown Sugar, Angostura Bitters, Smoke
FANNY MURRAY – £15
A 16th century courtesan iconic for having her hat perched slightly askew. Bittersweet – much like the lady who inspired it
The Botanist Gin, Lychee Liqueur, Grapefruit, Lime, Rose, Cardamom Bitters, Mrs Better’s Miraculous Foamer
NLL COLLINS – £10
A refreshing alcohol-free take on the classic Tom Collins
Salcombe Distilling Co. New London Light 0.5% ABV, Merchant’s Heart Hibiscus Tonic, Lemon
The drinks menu continues with champagne and wine by the bottle and glass, as well as a generous spirits list with accompanying tasting notes by region, grain or fruit flavour, so patrons can enjoy their favourites or experience some lesser-known labels. An emphasis has been placed on collating a list of smaller British spirit brands to bring them to the fore.
Bar 190 solidified its place in London rock and roll history when The Rolling Stones used it for the launch and photo-shoot for their 1968 album, Beggar’s Banquet. The young musicians were already regulars of the bar and chose to host the album’s launch party there because of its location and informal yet glamorous atmosphere.
Santo Borzi joins Bar 190 from the Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, where he had been Assistant Bar Manager at the Hyde Bar for the past five years. Prior to this, Santo was Head Sommelier at the hotel’s One O One restaurant. He has over 20 years experience as a bar manager and sommelier in some of London’s top hotels and restaurants, including 5 Hertford Street, Babbo Restaurant, Buddha Bar and The Ritz Club.