Perfect Martinis at Eight Over Eight
By Patito, published on 2 May 2009
A perfect Martini is a rare beast. Trust us – we know what we’re talking about. Dirty, naked, we’ve tried them most ways and we know what we like. So, imagine our delight when the barman at Eight Over Eight produced two perfect Martinis straight up: one for the lady (made with Bombay Sapphire) and one for the man (Tanqueray). Things were looking good and we were only 10 minutes into the evening.
We’ve searched the world over for a good Martini: Brussels (terrible), New York (yes please), Bangkok (yikes, that tastes a bit funny), Valencia (not bad for a first try), Madeira (ok), Belfast (surprisingly good), Hong Kong (oooh, that’s nice) and finally London, where the results are generally good, but rarely perfect.
Three ingredients: vermouth, gin and olives. Simple, right? So why do so many people get it wrong? The key is using the correct ingredients (no anchovy stuffed olives, please), the right measures (don’t go making it too dirty) and keeping everything COLD. And that’s exactly what Mr Eight Over Eight did.
So, perched at the bar, we were all set for drinks. Now, what about food? Our table was booked for 9pm but we started hesitating as soon as we walked in. Should we move through to the restaurant or stay at the bar where the fun was to be had? We opted for the latter and tucked into the bar menu: chili salt squid, mixed sashimi, rock shrimp tempura, , and
Eight Over Eight is an all rounder: the food is tasty, reasonably priced and well presented, and the venue has a great buzz. It’s the perfect place to take visitors to London. They won’t fail to like it. And neither will you.
Eight Over Eight, 392 King’s Road, London SW3 5UZ, Tel: +44 20 7349 9934
Perfect Martinis at Eight Over Eight
A perfect Martini is a rare beast. Trust us – we know what we’re talking about. Dirty, naked, we’ve tried them most ways and we know what we like. So, imagine our delight when the barman at Eight Over Eight produced two perfect Martinis straight up: one for the lady (made with Bombay Sapphire) and [...]
A Prodigal 2009 reviewed: Happy New Year to you all « The Prodigal Guide
2 January 2010
[...] Gilmour’s in Chelsea; peerless burgers at Byron on the King’s Road; superior cocktails at both Eight Over Eight (now, very sadly closed) and Hereford Road; and, last but not least, the excellent Bedford & [...]