The K Bar at The Kensington hotel is delighted to announce the launch of its new cocktail menu. Taking inspiration from the world’s best-loved wine regions in Europe, each cocktail on the new menu – entitled ‘Terroir’ – is designed to showcase the characteristics of different wines.
Terroir refers to the complete set of environmental factors which create an unparalleled sense of character and place in wine from unique and different regions. Inspired by the concept of terroir, Bar Manager at The K Bar, Salvatore Maggio – formerly of St James Hotel and Club – and award-winning Master of Wine Anne McHale have created this innovative new menu.
Regions each have their own set of characteristics that are dependent on local geography. Local produce or the quality of wine grapes can be affected by the soil, weather and climate, which in turn can have an impact on the flavours of the finished product. With this in mind, Maggio and McHale have devised a 15 strong menu with each drink being uniquely blended to perfectly match the type of local produce that can be found in the native region.
The cocktails showcase a journey around the Old World wines of Europe. They are inspired by the characteristics and flavours imparted by a selection of the world’s most celebrated terroirs. Each new cocktail has a page dedicated to the fundamental factors that impact the terroir which has influenced the drink. This outlines the characteristics of the region, the tasting notes and prominent flavours of the wines produced there, the main grape varieties, local produce and surrounding produce.
The menu includes options such as the 45th Parallel (Remy Martini VSOP, Evangelista Ratafia, Syrah Jus, Blackberry, Citrus – £16). Linked to the region of Bordeaux: A gravelly, humid maritime climate, positioned halfway between the Equator and North Pole on the ‘45th parallel’.
and Float On (Bulleit Bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula, Grapefruit, Cranberry, Rioja, Blackberry, Almond – £17). Influenced by the region of Rioja: Hot and dry with altitude moderating heat and three distinct sub-regions
Speaking of the new menu launch, Salvatore Maggio says “I am delighted to be launching the new Terroir Menu and can’t wait for our guests to take a taste tour through Europe, to sample our innovative new cocktails and explore the flavours that are impacted by some of the world’s most celebrated terroirs”.
Encompassing the concept of Terroir throughout the K Bar, the new Bar Bites menu has also taken inspiration from a variety of the world’s most renowned wine regions in Europe. For example the Chickpea Panisses with ratatouille represents Provence and showcases the identity of the terroir found in that region. Also available are culinary delights such as Rias Baixas Padrón peppers with smoked paprika bread crumbs influenced by the region of Rias Baixas and Polenta chips with truffle crème fraîche which pulls inspiration from Rioja.
Alongside the new 15 cocktails, The K Bar is delighted to have added a collection of unique spirits which all claim to express a deep sense of their terroir in their own respects. The idea that terroir can be expressed in spirits is a long-debated one and one that the team have especially enjoyed researching.
Set in the heart of one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods, The K Bar can be found within The Kensington on the corner of two of London’s iconic thoroughfares, Queen’s Gate and the Old Brompton Road. Inspired by the sophisticated atmosphere of a gentlemen’s club, the bar’s features include deep grained oak panelling with integrated bookcases, softened by racing green and royal blue hues, and finished with dimly lit lighting and accents of polished brass detailing.