Gleneagles and the Rib Room have something in common. The Ryder Cup.
The spicy ‘Suarez’ was invented during the World Cup
Although Gleneagles has the real deal, the Rib Room in Knightsbridge is not far behind with its very own Ryder Cup cocktail. Currently under wraps, all will be revealed in a few days time.
I have never been to the Rib Room in the Jumeirah Hotel on Sloane Street. This time of year there are mainly wealthy middle easterners inhabiting the exclusive shops of this neighbourhood and a fair few of those are staying at this very nice hotel.
A barman at the Rib Room doing his thing
As I plop down in the cool darkened space, I have a quick look around. Glamorous but understated décor in dark wood, the Rib Room has an elegant dining area and has an astonishingly long bar. The serving staff are impeccably dressed and assist me immediately. In fact, it is such a beautiful day, I decide to move outdoors. So far, so good.
This is the dessert plate being served at the Rib Room. Decadent.
Before trying something from the Rib Room’s wine list, I decide to slurp on a Suarez (created to go along with the World Cup festivities in June). Meaty and spicy (with a ‘bite’?) I imagine it reflects this football player quite well! A great drink for first thing in the morning…as an option other than a Bloody Mary.
Moving on, I tried the Rib Room’s wonderful Viognier which is a reasonable £8 a glass. It had a delightful bouquet and was a smooth, creamy yet fruity white. It was hard to make a choice from their list of over four hundred and fifty wines and champagnes on offer.
Cool cocktails at the Rib Room.
The Rib Room also has dozens of gin and bitters combinations and quite a few themed drinks as well. The Drinking with Dickens includes the following offerings in honour of Mr Dickens visit to the U.S. in 1842 where he tried the American Invention:
Poison of choice at £15 While you wait Martin Miller’s Gin, Earl Grey syrup, Yellow Chartreuse. Made to make lose track of time. Served up Help yourself Appleton Rum, Damson Gin, Crème de Cacao, Chocolate Bitters, Lemon Juice & Egg White. Tempting and refreshing rum sour twist. Served on the rocks For love o’ liquor Patron XO Coffee, Baileys, Galliano, Coconut Cream. A creamy after-dinner indulgence. Served up Just one more Bacardi White, Peach Liquor, Lemon Juice, Fresh Grapes and Sauvignon Blanc A sophisticated peach scented aperitif. Served up The Venus Bombay Gin, Deviation Sweet Wine, Jasmine Tea, Elderflower Cordial, Peach Bitters A winning composition to stimulate the senses. Served up
One of my party tried the Adnam’s Cooper gin with lavender bitters on the rocks. Very fragrant and you could definitely taste the lavender. A bit like drinking perfume. Slightly pricey at £16 but at least it is different. I also tried one of the virgin cocktails; the Scented Cranberry Martini with Cranberry juice, vanilla, citrus, orange flower water. Simple and refreshing on a hot, summers’ day.
We also had the dessert platter. Utterly divine!
The Rib Room Bar opening hours are: 11am to 12.30am (Mon-Sat) 12pm to 10.30pm (Sun & Bank Holidays)
The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Cadogan Place, London, SW1X 9PY