The depravity of the super elusive hidden speakeasy style bars of eras gone by is reconstructed in Double Dutch Drinks’ latest, The Black Cat Bar. The tonic brand has taken something we take for granted, an important mixer for gin enthusiasts, and created their very own beginnings of an empire. Head over to Stratford City Westfield, the bar is still open with a range of offerings.
Find The Black Cat Bar behind discreet doors, you’ll be greeted by the cat of all cats. A gentlemanly nod to Victorian times where cats on the side of buildings indicated that gin was sold there. Double Dutch Drinks was created by Dutch twins Joyce & Raissa de Haas. They must have loved gin so much that they wanted to make it their own with a variety of flavours.
Behind the doors there’s a spacious bar area with shelves of hand selected craft gins from around the globe. My favourite part of the evening was choosing the tonic. The Double Dutch team would then add the gin they knew would complement my choice. A role reversal in choosing tonic last.
They offer the following and more in flavoured tonics:
Double Dutch Cucumber & Lemon
Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil
Double Dutch Cranberry & Ginger
Double Dutch Spices & Oakwood
Double Dutch Ginger Beer
As adventurous and fun as it would be for me to state that I’d tried all the options, that would be a lie. I didn’t get around to the mocktails. They thoughtfully catered towards those who wanted to break dry January with their version of TryJanuary – there was the option to add splashes of vodka to all mocktails. I personally lack discipline when it comes to gin, so Dry January was dragged out by the cats. Gin is one of my two favourite spirits and Double Dutch introduced me to an ever-changing range of flavours.
My favourites Double Dutch Combos:
Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil. The pomegranate was far from subtle but the sweetness was maintained by the addition of basil. A light, refreshing drink. I wanted to hold it tight, on a rooftop, with the sun as company. Try with One Gin or Oxley.
Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon. I have always opted for a zesty gin combination, but I was surprised at my new favourite. The cucumber was light and refreshing while the watermelon brought sweetness to balance the sharpness. Try with Marylebone London Dry Gin or Nginious! Summer Gin.
I was accompanied by a close friend and to quote her, ‘The Double Dutch Ginger Beer was bloody fantastic.’ If ever there was a seal of approval, that was it.
A witty and knowledgeable team, relaxed atmosphere and heaps of flowing gin and tonic made the evening pass in a well-maintained blur. Accompanying the drinks there were canapés of light food. The dessert was my favourite but before that we were given mushroom scotch eggs with a hint of pickle, Moroccan chicken cigars with honey and a hint of almond, plus a lot more.
We finished the night with platters of vanilla and pistachio macaron. It only took a few days before I indulged in another Double Dutch Cucumber and Watermelon tonic mix. Aren’t we lucky that we don’t have to create our own gin in bathtubs like they did in the old days? I also can’t use malaria-avoidance in the UK as an excuse for why I’ve already finished all my complimentary tonics.
Give Try January a go at The Black Cat Bar to start your year with a bit of flavour; sweet or spice, gin or rum & an incredible range of tonics.
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