August 2010

The Raconteur has been open on Dean Street for almost one year now. This
raises the question, have I been stuck in some kind of time warp? Otherwise
how could I have missed this little gem of a cocktail tavern? Obviously I
haven't been spending enough time in Stockbridge.

Jamie and his fellow storysmiths have created a wonderful tale that may one
day become a legend. Let me tell you why...

Let's start with ice. Apologies to Nick for using his quote but "the ice the
Raconteur discards is the reason the Raconteur's ice is the best." This is no
idle quote - hand-chipped and perfectly clear, in blocks, small cobbles or large
balls, the attention to detail is astonishing. Try one of their excellent range
of whiskies poured over a sphere of crystal clear ice, served in a chunky old-fashioned glass.

Then there is the back bar (and the various glass fronted nooks and
crannies). These hold an enviable selection of good, great, and extremely rare
drinks. I didn't have the heart to ask the price of some of the rarer cognacs,
rums or whiskies for fear of having to enter voluntary bankruptcy. And, unlike
a lot of bars, none of them are just for show.   

Finally there are the cocktails. I tried the Ernst's Lemon and Rhubarb Cobbler
(£6.50) and D had the Trailblazer (£6.50). The cobbler, made with Ketel One
Citron vodka, preserved lemons and pink grapefruit & rhubarb cordial was
superb. Refreshingly tart, this was an ideal early evening drink, whetting my
appetite as I considered which Stockbridge eatery to head to for dinner. In
stark contrast the Trailblazer was not only a wonderful winter warmer but, like
its counterpart, the Blue Blazer, a fiery showcase for Nick's talent. Made with
aged tequila and finally served in an antique stemmed glass, D adored the
warming flavours of orange, dark chocolate and vanilla.    

And what about my favourite, the Manhattan? Well to tell you the truth I
decided I would wait. After all, too much of a good