Ian Schrager is no stranger to giving people a good time. He’s most renowned as co-founder of Studio 54 nightclub in New York, and for a string of boutique hotels (some credit  him with inventing the category). His latest project is Edition, a hotel collaboration with Marriott. Properties have already opened in Istanbul, New York and Miami Beach. The London Edition is located in a grand old building within tripping distance of Oxford Street – a svelte combination of pared-down contemporary features within a storied setting. Its 50-seater Punch Room is a cosy, reservations-only, oak-panelled bar. The drinks list is extensive but the highlight is the 10 punches.

Bar manager Davide Segat
Bar manager Davide Segat

Five are contemporary interpretations of classic punches, taken from old books using gin, rum, vermouth and wine. Five modern punches incorporate the likes of cognac, vodka and tequila. You can order different size bowls. Punch typically has five key ingredients – a spirit, citrus, spices, sugar and tea. They were made as far back as the 1600s, a fad brought back from India to England. Punches “are very sociable, very sharing”, says Davide Segat, The Edition’s Italian-born bar manager, who is determined to change people’s minds about punch, which is often perceived as being an inferior drink, made with cheap alcohol.

Segat came to London in 2003 at the age of 20 and worked at The Connaught Hotel and Hawksmoor, a vibey steak restaurant, before joining Edition in September 2013. 

What is your signature cocktail? The Edition Punch. It has gin, jasmine tea, oak moss and orange blossom water. Ninety percent of the perfumes we use contain oak moss; it’s really floral and herbal. It works (well) with the botanicals in the gin.

What is the strongest cocktail you’ve made? A long drink with lemon and thyme absinthe. The most famous person you’ve ever served? Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Most popular food? The truffle cheese toastie from our hotel restaurant, the Berners avern. Bestselling drink? The top five items are punches.

Barman’s cocktail: 10/10. The Edition is a smartly balanced blend of modernity and heritage. Barman’s personality: 8/10 Segat is not only an enthusiastic and knowledgeable host – his Italian flair and friendliness make you feel right at home. editionhotels.com.london

EDITION PUNCH 50ml Tanqueray gin 25ml lemon juice 2.5ml Benedictine 20ml oak-moss syrup 1 drop orange flower water 75ml jasmine tea Pour all ingredients into a glass or bowl together and mix. Garnish with jasmine flower and lemon slice. To make the oak-moss syrup, mix oak moss, sugar and water, boil, reduce and cool like a simple syrup.
EDITION PUNCH 50ml Tanqueray gin 25ml lemon juice 2.5ml Benedictine 20ml oak-moss syrup 1 drop orange flower water 75ml jasmine tea Pour all ingredients into a glass or bowl together and mix. Garnish with jasmine flower and lemon slice. To make the oak-moss syrup, mix oak moss, sugar and water, boil, reduce and cool like a simple syrup.

AUGUST 2015

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