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As you may have realised, I think cocktails and gardening go together perfectly (thus explaining the Pimms Plant, Mojito planter and cocktail garden posts.). As such, I was gratified to discover that awarding-winning restaurant and bar, The Refinery in London has just launched its veg and herb patch cocktail menu, created by Chris Edwards and Richard Proud from The Refinery’s sister site, The Parlour, meaning I’m not alone in linking the two.
Highlights of the cocktail menu include the Mary Rose (pictured) with fresh rosemary and green chartreuse set alight, then extinguished with Plymouth Gin, maraschino liqueur and fresh lemon juice; the Golden Beet Martini, with fresh golden beetroot and house-infused vanilla sugar blended with Smirnoff Black vodka and a black pepper finish; and the Green Hornet, comprising celery juice, chartreuse and cachaca – apparently a cleaner, more Summery alternative to a Bloody Mary (although a Fresh Tomato Bloody Mary is one of life’s lovelier experiences and I’d strongly recommend you make a pitcher or two should you get a tomato glut: I usually loathe Bloody Marys because of the claggy texture of the juice but with freshly squeezed tomato juice – and ideally fresh coriander – it becomes an entirely different drink.)
I haven’t tried any of The Refinery’s cocktail yet, so I have no idea what they taste like but they sound great and I’m so going to be popping in the next time I’m in the area (then trying to replicate them at home using my home grown produce of course – although obviously crediting the mixologist with the recipe). Let me know what the cocktails are like if you get there before me.
groweatgift 
That’d be lovely – I’ll be there about 5pm, trains allowing. Look forward to seeing you then
Our marketing manager – Natalia, would love to welcome you this afternoon, so if you could let me know what time you will popping down for a cheeky cocktail then that would be great… see you later!
Is that Chris Edwards who used to run the bar at the Groucho Club? If so, small world – he’s a mate! Really pleased to have helped you select your cocktail of the month. Have you tried Bloom yet? It’s my new spirit-love (see my latest post on the Bloom Bellini) and it’d be fab to see what you could come up with using it because it’s got such interesting botanicals. Look forward to meeting you next Tuesday
great! we look forward to seeing you next week, you can enjoy a cocktail on us! our new cocktail list was created Chris Edwards and Richard Proud from our sister site – the parlour. we are now featuring a monthly cocktail and thanks to your great blog May’s cocktail is the green hornet! yum yum!
Yay! I’ll look forward to it – so impressed that you’ve got such a fab garden menu. I’m in London Bridge next Tuesday evening so may well pop in Tue afternoon. Who should I credit for the cocktails btw – always good to have a name as well as a venue. Credit where it’s due and all that…
we so agree … sipping our yummy cocktails out side on our deckchairs is just perfect in the summer sun!
come and try! 🙂 let us know when your popping down!