The month is February. You survived the first six weeks of the New Year, despite a strict alcohol-free rule and more gym classes than you’re used to. The evenings are now beginning to get lighter (albeit slowly), and the idea of enjoying post-work cocktails is sounding increasingly appealing.
If you’re based in the capital, you’ll know London is far from short of cocktail bars. In fact, we’re pretty much bursting at the seams with them… but none are quite as special as Madison.
With fantastic views, superb staff and fabulous food and drink to match, there’s nothing which lets this place down.
Head to Madison’s and you’re sure not to be disappointed. It’s a rooftop bar, sitting pretty at the top of One New Change and with spectacular views of St Paul’s cathedral. From the moment you step into the glass lift to embark on your journey six floors up, you’ll be glad you paid a visit.
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When it comes to their drinks, Madison has always taken inspiration from the trends sweeping across Manhattan, and their recent Tiki-inspired cocktail menu is no exception. Classics like the Mai Tai and Hurricane have been taking Manhattan by storm, so in a nod to the trend, the team have been busy transforming them using their house spirits and fresh fruits.
Mounir Hazgui, Bar Manager at Madison, says: “Tiki cocktails are about so much more than pineapple juice and coconuts – we are delighted to be offering a sophisticated, Manhattan inspired take on our favourite Tiki classics in London.”
We couldn’t wait to try the menu out – most of all the highly recommended “Can You Hurry”. That is what we started with: a refreshing and fruity mix of vodka, cranberry juice, passion fruit puree, maraschino cherry, grapefruit bitters and lemon. For want of a better phrase, it is total sunshine in a glass.
Next up was “Captain Garp” – an unusually named but deliciously tasting gin based cocktail. It comprises of Tanqueray 10, rosemary syrup homemade in the open-plan Madison kitchen, lemon juice, grapefruit bitters and soda. It is nowhere near as sweet as “Can You Hurry” is, but it’s equally as drinkable.
Other cocktails on the menu include the “Daikiki”, a contemporary twist on the Daiquiri using almond-infused Havana 7YO, lime juice, vanilla syrup and citrus bitters and the “Scot-Tie”, a Scottish take on the Mai-Tai using Laphroaig 10yo, Scottish falernum, lemon juice, orgeat, and homemade apple/ginger foam. Your mouth is watering, isn’t it?
This menu includes something for everyone; whether you’re after something sweet or something bitter, a cocktail (or three) from this imaginative and contemporary offering will go down a treat the finest backdrop in the city. Team Coco would more than recommend.
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