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Scarfes Bar looks to famous faces for new cocktail menu

Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London has launched a new cocktail menu, inspired by events and famous faces from the last 18 years.

Drop Shot is inspired by tennis star Andy Murray

The menu, called Paintings and Potions Volume I, has been created by bar manager Martin Siska and head bartender Greg Almeida. The drinks list features 18 new cocktails printed in a ‘vandalised’ book.

Each cocktail has been inspired by events from the last 18 years, such as the Oscar haul director Danny Boyle picked up in 2009 for his film Slumdog Millionaire and the death of singer Amy Winehouse in 2011.

Alongside each cocktail is a caricature from artist Gerald Scarfe, who has worked as a satirical cartoonist for Punch magazine and Private Eye.

Siska said: “We’re attempting to transform his art into liquid form. To do this, we do a lot of research around each character, what they like, what they eat, what sort of food and drink we can match to each person.”

The menu includes cocktails such as the Naturalist, which marks the premiere of the first episode of hit BBC show Planet Earth in 2006 and the Toot Toot, which celebrates the year 2016 and the election of Sadiq Khan as mayor of London.

Of the 18 cocktails on the menu, three are alcohol free – including Silver Spoon, created for prince George who was born in 2013, and DOC No 9, made to honour the return of sci-fi series Dr Who in 2005.

Almeida said: “You need to have something suitable for everyone. Being able to give people something more than just a glass of coke or orange juice just lets them know that we are thinking about these things and providing for people that don’t drink.”

Click through to see a selection of cocktails featured on the new menu.

Office Gossip

For the year 2001 and inspired by comedian Ricky Gervais and the premiere of British sitcom, The Office. 

Ingredients: Tanqueray 10, burnt cauliflower Campari, pumpkin seed, carraway, port

Zingy Stardust

For the year 2002 and inspired by singer David Bowie and his ‘creative comeback’ that year.

Ingredients: Absolut Elyx, zara lebu, lemongrass, kaffir lime, copper lightning

Macca-iato

For the year 2007 and inspired by former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and the record deal he struck with high street coffee chain Starbucks.

Ingredients: Johnnie Walker Black, Lucano Anniversario, roasted pecan, speculoos, plum

On Yer Bike

For the year 2008 and inspired by former mayor of London Boris Johnson who took up the position that year.

Ingredients: Maker’s Mark 46, 5-berry wine, tomato, cocoa nibs, rhubarb

Drop Shot

For the year 2012 and inspired by tennis star Andy Murray, who won gold in the mens singles competition at the London Olympics.

Ingredients: Bacardi Carta Blanca, Belsazar Riesling, citrus, dill, lovage

Neck It

For the year 2015 and inspired by Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, who was named most influential entrepreneur this year.

Ingredients: Ron Zacapa 23, Redbreast Lustau, banana wine, fig leaf, marzipan, citrus

Off The Market

For the year 2018 and inspired by prince Harry, who will this year marry actress Meghan Markle.

Ingredients: Royal Salute 21 Year Old, saffron, algarve figs, ginger

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