Whether you like it shaken or stirred, there’s a martini for everyone with Fontaine’s new menu, as Kellie Erm discovers
Stoke Newington’s favourite Art Deco bar, Fontaine’s, has launched an exciting new martini menu. Designed to demystify the martini, they aim to put an end to the age old dispute of “vodka or gin” by exploring different flavour combinations and introducing classic martinis with contemporary twists.
The unassuming bar is located on Stoke Newington Road, and upon entering the door, guests draw back the black curtains to unveil a 1920s speakeasy. Velvet couches and antique mahogany cabinets deck the bar, with golden palm trees and trinkets adding final touches.
The room is dimly lit, adding to the feel that you have secretly walked into an underground bar – although it is very much on street level, as you can peek out the blinds to spy on people walking by unknowingly.
The star of the show is the martini menu, and clearly the most fitting tipple to indulge in in this Golden Era bar. The new menu includes martinis with Belvedere vodka and Oxley gin to choose from, along with interesting combinations with vermouth for the extra dry fans.
There is a version for everyone, whether you take it dry, wet, with an olive or a twist, or of course very very dirty. The very very dirty martini with gin and vermouth was astounding, with olive brine to cut off the sharpness of the vermouth.
Although it slipped down nicely, a word of warning as it is lethal! For a citrusy take on the martini, my guest enjoyed the Portobello Martini, with Ambrato Martini vermouth, grapefruit bitter and grapefruit twist.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Saluting Fontaine’s for trying to make martini’s happen again, and delectable ones at that. As a new resident of Stokey, you will be seeing me there on the regular (through the blinds of course).
Make it happen
Where: 176 Stoke Newington Rd, Hackney, London N16 7UY
Website: Visit fontaines.bar to find out more and make a booking
Words by Kellie Erm
