The Sipping Society
Those in search of the perfect Martini should perhaps head to the back streets of Mayfair
Article by Kelda Wright-Whyte
Stepping in the cosy environs of The Punchbowl, Mayfair I was greeted warmly with a William Case gin and Fevertree gin and tonic – a sound start. Rather tasty canapes were served that complemented the gins and vodkas we would be tasting over the course of the evening. The small group of 10 of us took over the private dining room on the second floor of The Punchbowl to listen to a highly informative (though not too technical) talk by Chris Watson from Chase Distillery on the distilling process and what makes a good spirit.
We tasted a number of gins and vodkas made from a range of bases – potato but also more unusual ones such as apple. Chases’ Rhubarb Vodka is delicious and now a personal fav…. There was ample opportunity to make our own martinis – plenty of spirits were flowing – and inevitably there was debate over what makes a “great” martini as well as the variations and personal preferences that provoked good natured discussion.
The Punchbowl’s Private Dining Room is definitely recommended – a perfect locatation for tastings or supperclubs, I’m looking forward to the next one already….. 
Enquiries: http://chasedistillery.co.uk/ / www.punchbowllondon.com/