The evening started in style in the heart of Mayfair with List Leader Natalie. We made our way to Lancashire Court, the Diagon Alley of Mayfair, for the launch of Cartizze, a classy cocktail bar with a penchant for prosecco. It is tucked underneath Mayfair Pizza Co., with Mews of Mayfair and Hush also nearby in the fairytale hidden courtyard.
Cartizze is named after the revered 1000 foot high Prosecco vineyards in Veneto, and some Italian class has been brought to the bar with a Nero Marquina marble fireplace, just one detail amongst many in a stunning bar. Vintage cocktail shakers are dotted around, and the backbar is a treasure trove of glassware rather than the usual overwhelming rows of bottles one can't afford.
We were shown to our seats (table service only so worth booking ahead) and greeted with some delightful bar snacks. Master mixologist Rich Woods (UK winner of the Bombay Sapphire ‘World’s Most Imaginative Bartender’ 2014) was on hand to talk through some of his cocktail creations.
We started off with the silky smooth Olive Oil Gin Fizz (Gin, lemon, lemon sugar, olive oil, egg white prosecco) and the quirky Truffled Liquorice Sour (Chivas Whisky, lemon, egg white, liquorice, sugar, truffle). The strong truffle flavour was particularly present in the foamy head of the sour, and will definitely divide opinions. We were both very taken with it, though agreed that one might be enough. The Olive Oil Gin Fizz was sublime and Natalie was tempted to stick to it all night.
We worked our way through several more impressive cocktails, including the delicious Amor y Amargo (amaretto, cynar, apricot liqueur, lemon, egg white, vanilla sugar, prosecco), a seasonal Rhubarb (rhubarb liqueur, fresh rhubarb, prosecco), a boozy Mayfair Elegante (light rum, gin, blood orange liqueur, clarified citrus, bitters), and a seasonal Sicilian Gimlet (blood orange gin, blood orange and lemon cordial)
I took an enjoyably bitter path with a Barrel Aged Negroni, a Sbagliato (Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Prosecco) and a Mayfair Aperitivo (Punt e Mes, fresh grapefruit, orange, tonic). The barrel aged cocktails will change every now and then - ask on the night for more details.
The palate cleansing Sgroppino (limoncello sorbet, lemon verbena liqueur, prosecco) was attractively presented as three scoops of sorbet bathing in a pool of lemon liqueur & prosecco.
A lot of effort has also been put into the concise food menu, with the likes of Truffled Salted Peanuts, Tuna Tartare with Candied Chilli and Cucumber and San Daniele Ham wrapped figs with Truffle Honey & Roquette making it on to the list.
The two most theatrical dishes were the 36 month old parmesan with 12 year old balsamic vinegar and the Hand Dived Orkney Isles Scallops & Smoked Pancetta in Brioche Buns. There was enough parmesan for most of the room, and it turned up with its own smoking chamber. Meanwhile, the scallop & pancetta sliders arrived on a Himalayan salt board. Only a few months ago I had been mocking Natalie for buying one as a gift, having never heard of it before, and here one was in all its glory!
Be prepared for Mayfair prices and you will have a fantastic time at Cartizze. The location is date heaven, the cocktails & food are top notch, and the service is charming. One waitress was particularly attentive, or so we thought until we realised there were twins working the floor! The jazz soundtrack was the icing on the cake. Highly recommended!
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