Presenting… GINSTOCK

8 gins. 8 bars. Offering 8 cocktails. This was Ginstock.

It was a great start as the sun beat down on the Fifteen sponsored British Street Food Award vendors. Shame that they almost to a man ran out of food just a few hours in but we won’t go into that, I’m sure others will…

PKD's Rhubarb

I was there for the gin, and not to forget this was also a competition. Here is how they rated in my humble opinion:

#1= Sipsmith and Zetter Townhouse with The Gimlet

This was utterly beautifully balanced with 2 parts Sipsmith gin to one part homemade orange and cassia cordial and lemon twist. So drinkable and love the tiny martini glasses for such a potent drink. Went back for more.

#1= Martin Millers and Powder Keg Diplomacy with Gin and Rhubarb Tonic

Another really well balanced drink with the sharpness of homemade rhubarb tonic working really well to created such a fresh drink and loved the stripy cinema popcorn cups too. Well done Matt!

#3 Gilpins and Liberty Lounge with The Herbalisor

Loved the story here, loved the passion of those working for Gilpins, loved the mini g&t sorbets, and although their berry cocktail was more “my thing” the boys loved The Herbalisor, very fresh

#4 Williams and Worship Street Whistling Shop with A Smoked concoction!

This was an interesting combination of citrus and smoke, though it was mainly smoke. Nice, but it could have been any gin in there 

Gilpins Berry Cocktail

#5 Bombay Dry and London Cocktail Club with a Custard Cream topped concoction

Bit forgettable but loved the custard cream!

#6 HVEN and Danger of Death with Dirty Bomb Martini

Good lord, why would you swap olive brine for MEZCAL?! Barely drinkable

#7 Beefeater and Polpo with Negroni

This pre-mix was way WAY too bitter, and I was not the only one saying it, given away

Not tried: Bombay Sapphire and Nightjar with Singapore Sling

I was advised not too so since we were several drinks in I heeded that advice!

Gilpins G&T mini sorbet

Top surprises

§         Williams Gin new Extra Dry Gin offering - delicious, great progress

§         Gilpins Gin and Tonic sorbet in mini cones with a touch of absinthe – world’s BEST hangover cure – as well as their range of tonic waters

Thanks to the band (I recognised the lead singer and pianist from Nightjar) for great music, thanks to all the guys representing their bars and gins who were all more than happy to take the time to tell you about what they are doing and to @tweat_up for making it happen

Mishkins, Soho: 20/20

Location: 25 Catherine Street

Website: www.mishkins.co.uk

Visit: Saturday lunch

To Note? Arrive early

Score

Ambiance 5/5

Design 5/5

Drinks 5/5

Staff 5/5

Extra LBS star: Another 20/20!

If you haven’t heard of Polpo, or Da Polpo, or Sputino in the last year where have you been? Seriously.

Due to their burgeoning popularity and mainly no reservations policy I have rarely felt like fighting for a table at these establishments but the universally good reviews of Mishkins, combined with the concept of Jewish food that I am not sure I have ever had, saw me taking up a stool at the bar/counter area of E.Mishkins at 11.50 determined to ensure no queue.

There has long been a Jewish Deli on this site, but as a cocktail fan and especially of gin, I am pleased to say that this is not 100% Kosher. I started with the first deviation from Judaism with a Gin Sour – recommended by the bar manager Alex – and they were more than happy to let me try some of the interesting digestifs, including one from artichokes. They have around 12 gin based cocktails, a special gin menu (do ask) and if that does not appeal around 7 white and red options, pop floats and their yummy homemade lemonade is an option too.

The menu is a simple typewriter printed onto lined A4 affair and do not forget the blackboard specials that are not immediately obvious but well worth a look. Also, do not be afraid to ask as I was unfamiliar with about 40% of what I saw! I opted for a bit of choice-by-food envy and ordered the pastrami sandwich “Reudben on rye” with pickles, and what a choice if I do say so myself. This monster of a sandwich took me about 40 minutes to get through and was delicious from first to last. It was either that or the Big Apple Hot Dog which I am assured was excellent with the piles of salad a positive addition to the street food version. My friend took the “knish”, a sort of meat ball made of fish with a parsley sauce. I will be returning for the Duck Hash alone and the desserts that I am horrified I could not manage but between Banana Fosters and Chocolate Bread and Butter pudding it could have been world war three to decide!

There was a lovely buzz from the minute it opened to the minute we left, and we were barely out our seats when they were taken so do arrive early if you don’t want to queue. I would definitely suggest trying to get a stool at the bar rather than taking a banquette in the main room as you can tuck yourself away for hours and ignore the growing queues looking longingly at your table.

Great interesting food, great cocktails, great staff, great atmosphere, all in all a must visit.