Premier Hospitality

Dirty Martini

Dirty Martini
Written by Roma Publications

Dirty Martini toasts two new openings

Dirty Martini

Sophisticated, stylish cocktail bar group Dirty Martini continues its ongoing expansion with two new openings – one at The Minories in the City of London, and the other in Cardiff.

Both venues opened in October.

Fit out contractors for both venues were Livesley Projects; designers were Grapes Design.

Owned by leading leisure operator CG Restaurants & Bars, Dirty Martini acquired City of London favourite Mary-Jane’s from the Mint Group and has invested £1.2 million transforming the 6,500 square foot venue into the group’s ninth Dirty Martini.

Scott Matthews, Chief Executive Officer at Dirty Martini, said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Dirty Martini.

“Over the last three years we have had outstanding success in the City, growing by 8% ytd versus 2015 and we strongly feel that Dirty Martini Minories will be a great addition to the portfolio.”

The group currently operates seven sites in London across Bishopsgate, Clapham, Covent Garden, Hanover Square, Islington, Monument and St Paul’s.

But not content with resounding success in London alone, the group has embarked on their first stage of a national expansion outside the capital by securing the former Maddison site on 71-72 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Excited to join the thriving community of successful bars and clubs, the group has invested circa £1m in the refurbishment of the 10,000 square foot venue and is hiring 65 new staff.

Scott Matthews said: “This is a big step for us and Cardiff’s strong economic growth and outstanding nightlife offers the brand a fantastic opportunity to establish Dirty Martini amongst a city of discerning cocktail lovers.”

Welshman Matthews added: “I have an affinity with Cardiff having started my career at local institution The Philharmonic in 1995. It’s one of the best nights out in the country and we looked forward to bringing Dirty Martini to the Welsh capital.”

Dirty Martini

Since opening its first bar in the heart of Covent Garden Piazza, Dirty Martini has enjoyed rapid growth under CG Restaurants & Bars, developing a reputation for bespoke cocktails and stylish interiors and becoming one of the most popular cocktail bars in London.

The Dirty Martini group recently launched a brand new cocktail menu, filled with trend-focused flavours and innovative combinations.

The new menu features six brand new Martinis, an indulgent collection of Distinctively Dirty serves and a mouth-watering selection of fresh cocktails named Dirty Dozen.

The new offering sees Dirty Martini continue to explore fresh and exotic ingredients, such as almond milk, mascarpone foam, balsamic vinegar, matcha green tea powder, root beer and Peroni.

Within the new range of Martinis is the fresh and elegant Spring Peach and Hibiscus Martini, which pairs Absolut Blue Vodka, Peach Schnapps and Thé Vert Hibiscus with coconut water, grapefruit bitters, peach bitters, lemon juice and Gomme Syrup. The unique garnish is a preserved hibiscus flower, positioned at the base of the Martini glass.

The Chai Pear Martini offers a winter feel to the new range of Martinis, combining Absolut Blue Vodka, Monin Chai Tea Syrup, Fresh lime and pear juice, Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur and demerara Gomme syrup.

The Distinctively Dirty range looks to break boundaries within the cocktail sphere. The Cheek to Cheek uses balsamic vinegar, Acai berry juice with Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum, Manzanilla Sherry, honey and fresh blackberries and raspberries, topped with a generous helping of delicious mascarpone foam.

The Dirty Dozen is a collection of Dirty Martini’s much-loved serves from past and present menus.

Within the Dirty Dozen is the fresh and zingy Raspberry and Ginger Smash; combining Tanqueray Gin, Bold London Spirit, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, homemade Gomme syrup, fresh ginger and raspberries.

With budgeted sales of £12.5M in 2016, Dirty Martini has attracted a loyal following who appreciate the brand’s spirited sophistication.

Recently voted ‘Best Happy Hour’ in London’s Mayfair and The City in the ‘Design My Night Bar Awards’, Dirty Martini sold over half a million martinis during Happy Hour In 2015.

 

CG Restaurants & Bars is a vibrant and dynamic company, with a strong focus on value, quality and excellent service. The company constantly strive to stay at the forefront of the market with their innovative and customer-orientated approach to the food and drinks they serve and the new venues they acquire.

 

About the author

Roma Publications