Negroni Week kicks off on September 22, as if we needed an excuse.
Spearheaded by Campari, more than 1,800 venues across the country will be taking part and some have already started, with Negroni-themed menus, fun activities and the proceeds going to charity – The Slow Food charity, to be exact, so you’ll be giving back, while knocking them back.
Actually, that should be their slogan, they can thank me later. And so can you, because here’s a word of warning, if you are heading out to Bébé Bob in Soho next week, think hard about trying the Chicken Bone Negroni.
Why? It’s still living in my head days later, rent free.
What is a Negroni?
For those not familiar with a Negroni, shame on you.
It’s a carmine-red cocktail made from three equal parts; Campari, gin and vermouth, stirred then garnished with a generous wedge of orange.
It was supposedly invented by Count Camillo Negroni, who asked for an Americano cocktail with gin instead of soda water in a Florentine café back in 1919. And they thought it would never catch on.
It’s bitter, super boozy and unmistakably Italian, and part of its appeal lies in its adaptability. During Negroni week, you’ll be seeing plenty of riffs on the classic recipe, whether that be a White, Rose, Mezcal, Coffee, Sake, Tequila, Chestnut, Slushie or Chocolate Negroni, and beyond. You name it, you’ll find it. And I certainly did…
The Negroni is one of my favourite drinks, but even I was shocked by Bébé Bob’s chicken bone concoction, which gave me equal parts intrigue and horror before and after consuming it. In fact, even now, I’m not sure how I feel about it.
What is a Chicken Bone Negroni?
The cocktail is a blend of No.3 Gin, Campari and roasted chicken bone. So far, so bizarre, but it’s got some pedigree (not Chum, that would be hideous).
It was created by one of the world’s most awarded barmen, Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, who has collaborated with Bébé Bob, the younger sibling restaurant of Bob Bob Ricard. You know, the one with a ‘press for champagne’ button on each table?
I will say, the Chicken Bone Negroni ties in with Bébé Bob’s chicken theme and pairs perfectly with their incredible chicken nuggets.
The drink looks so much like a regular Negroni as they bring it to your table, the only giveaway is a yellow and pink chicken foot placed on the ice cube.
But how does it taste?
Flavour-wise, there’s a subtle savoury element to the drink, even a fatty sweetness, but you have to search for it. It’s almost as though you’re sipping a Negroni through a straw made of roast chicken skin.
Texture-wise, it has a lightly oiliness that coats your tongue, but it’s not at all unpleasant. And most importantly, can you eat the chicken foot garnish?
I did, but I’m not sure you’re meant to.
I can’t remember chewing anything for as long as I chewed that chicken foot, to the point where I wondered if it was actually made of plastic.
Would I order a Chicken Bone Negroni again? No, but I’m glad I tried it.
Other top London spots to visit during Negroni Week:
As well as Bébé Bob, there are a few other Central London spots worth checking out during Negroni Week. Here’s a look at a few other highlights…
Mele e Pere, 46 Brewer St
All cocktails are £13 over Negroni Week, they have four on the menu (Classico, Sbagliato, Bianco and Rosa).
An aperitivo-style bar on top, sumptuous Italian restaurant underneath. The standout here was their Negroni Rosa, made of Cocchi Americano Rosa, Gin and Campari. This is the perfect choice for anyone who finds the bitter nature of a standard Negroni a bit brutal. It’s down to the smooth Cocchi Americano Rosa, which uses a Brachetto base; a red wine with flavours of candied strawberries. It’s then aromatised with rose petals, ginger, vanilla and gentian to give it a softly bitter-fruity profile. Try it with their Tiramisu, which has to be the best I’ve ever tasted.
Noodle & Beer, 27 Wardour St
Dedicated Negroni list includes the Classic (£12.50), Sparkling Sake (£12.50) and Plum Umeshu (£12.50).
Chinatown’s late-night noodle spot now hides an underground Negroni bar. To celebrate Negroni Week, they’ve gone and partnered with Campari to create a secret, subterranean Negroni snug, which serves up modern twists on the classic cocktail. If you’re a fan of the Sbagliato, you’re going to love their Sparkling Sake Negroni, which is light bodied and beautifully floral. Sip it five minutes after one of the infinitely delicious Sichuan-spiced dishes, as they make your mouth numb. I learnt that the hard way.
Kapara, 12-24 Greek Street
Kapara are offering a Negroni flight which includes three half-sized drinks paired to their own dip with crispy pita soldiers (£22 per person).
A Negroni flight, now I’ve heard everything. Yes, this upbeat Tel Aviv-style restaurant is embracing Negroni Week with dinky options including a Mezcal Negroni. Now, I’m not personally a fan of smoky drinks, and this one certainly delivered some punchy bonfire notes to the old palate. If that’s not your bag, try their saffron-based Tibi Tipple #2, with some mellow-yellow spice flavours that proved a smash with my plus one.
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