Quaglino’s and No3 Gin launch a new martini menu in Mayfair, offering personalised, innovative cocktails for both newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
The martini has long been seen as the ultimate cocktail, yet its reputation for complexity often deters newcomers.
This summer, Quaglino’s, the iconic Mayfair restaurant, has partnered with No.3 Gin to change that perception, launching a new martini programme that welcomes both seasoned enthusiasts and first-time tasters.
A New Chapter in Cocktail Culture
The collaboration between Quaglino’s and No.3 Gin is more than a menu update; it represents a move toward accessibility without compromising the craftsmanship that defines premium cocktails.
While the martini remains an icon of sophistication, the partnership emphasises that its enjoyment should not be limited to a select few.
Bar Manager Jonathan Ecca has developed the No.3 Gin Martini Menu as a full exploration of the cocktail’s versatility, offering interpretations that range from bold and bracing to delicate and nuanced. The menu recognises that every guest’s ideal martini reflects personal taste.
Innovative Interpretations Meet Classic Foundations
Ecca’s signature serves to highlight the martini’s adaptability while keeping its core appeal intact. The Bijou No.3, for example, blends No.3 London Dry Gin with camomile liqueur, Quaglino’s proprietary white vermouth, and grapefruit bitters for a crisp, citrus-forward, and layered experience.
The Sakura Martini incorporates Mancino Sakura vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino, and Akashi-Tai plum sake liqueur, offering a floral and aromatic profile.
This serves contemporary London’s international palate while maintaining the precision that defines premium martini preparation.
Personalisation as an Art Form
For those who prefer a traditional martini, the No.3 Classic Martini offers seven preparation styles, each designed to highlight a different balance and intensity.
Options range from the ‘Frozen’ serve, delivered directly from the bottle, to the ‘Naked’ ratio of 6:1 gin to dry vermouth.
The menu also explores classic variations: the ‘Dirty’ and ‘Filthy’ martinis feature carefully measured olive brine, and the ‘Gibson’ serves a pickled onion garnish.
Each option recognises that martini appreciation encompasses subtlety and boldness alike.
Theatre and Craftsmanship Combined
The programme introduces tableside service via a dedicated martini trolley. Guests can watch the precision techniques that define top-tier preparation.
The interactive element allows for real-time customisation, with bar staff adjusting proportions and garnishes to meet each guest’s preferences while maintaining technical standards.
Educational Exploration with the Tiny Tini Flight
Quaglino’s also offers the Tiny Tini Flight, three miniature martinis for £20.
The flight allows guests to compare styles and flavours without committing to a full serve, making martini exploration approachable and educational.
This approach reflects a deep understanding of how preferences develop over time.
Culinary Partnerships and Perfect Pairings
The martini programme extends to food, with the Tini Table offering a Chicken Caesar salad and a martini of choice for £35 per person, minimum two guests.
Traditional accompaniments like oysters, garlic, truffle fries, and Nocellara olives provide classic flavour pairings that complement the drinks menu.
Setting and Atmosphere
The programme takes place in Quaglino’s refined environment, where daily live music adds to the experience.
The venue’s reputation for sophisticated entertainment supports the martini menu, creating a seamless blend of taste, sound, and atmosphere.
Industry Impact and Future Implications
The collaboration demonstrates how established venues can refresh classic offerings with innovation and accessibility.
Its focus on education and personalisation may influence other premium establishments, reflecting the growing importance of experiential hospitality where process and presentation are as significant as the final product.
Conclusion: A New Standard for Martini Culture
Quaglino’s No.3 Gin Martini Menu sets a benchmark for presenting classic 1to contemporary audiences. The programme balances tradition with innovation, making the martini approachable without diminishing its heritage.
For anyone ready to explore their “martini era,” Quaglino’s offers both a welcoming introduction and a destination for continued discovery at one of Mayfair’s most iconic addresses.
