On November 14, 2023, Velvet, the exclusive cocktail bar nestled within Corinthia London, introduced an innovative new menu titled ‘The Quote Book’. This latest offering draws inspiration from a host of celebrated figures, including Pablo Picasso, Coco Chanel, Nelson Mandela, and Frida Kahlo, bringing a unique fusion of art, culture, and mixology to the heart of London.
Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese, which opened its doors in November 2022, has quickly established itself as a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Under the guidance of the legendary Salvatore Calabrese, also known as The Maestro, Velvet celebrates the enchantment and spectacle of hospitality. Hidden behind plush velvet curtains, the bar is a testament to the timeless art of cocktail creation, offering a blend of classic and contemporary drinks that captivate the senses.
‘The Quote Book’ menu leverages artificial intelligence and historical insights to craft a collection of drinks that pay homage to Salvatore’s signature creations, such as The Breakfast Martini, Spicy Fifty, and Golden Era Vintage Cocktails. The menu embodies the essence of iconic 20th and 21st-century figures, transforming their famous quotes into drinkable art.
Each cocktail is served in a unique vessel that adds to the storytelling experience, ranging from a carbon fibre car representing Elon Musk’s ‘Bored Child’ to a Strawberry helium Heart-shaped balloon for Banksy’s ‘Above the Clouds’. The choice of glassware is deliberate, designed to evoke memories, emotions, and ignite the imagination.
Salvatore Calabrese, The Maestro himself, emphasizes the multisensory journey of enjoying a drink at Velvet. “You taste with your eyes, nose, mouth, and hands. The feel of the glass is a crucial part of the drink’s journey, from the aroma upon first pick-up to the final sip,” he notes.
To commemorate Velvet’s first anniversary, ‘The Quote Book’ introduces 21 new cocktails, with prices ranging from £22 to £45. Highlights include the ‘V=SC2 Albert Einstein’, a playful nod to Einstein’s famous equation, featuring redistilled gin with pepper variations and ultrasound gin in a V-shaped martini glass.
Other notable mentions include the ‘Ice Cubist Pablo Picasso’, a tribute to Picasso’s artistic prowess with Caribbean rum and Calamansi, and the ‘Love Generation Greta Thunberg’, a sustainable concoction that reflects Thunberg’s environmental advocacy.
Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese is a gem within Corinthia London, offering an immersive experience that blends stunning interior design by David Collins Studio with the thrill of live music. The bar’s luxurious setting, complete with red and royal blue furnishings and commissioned artworks, enhances the already vibrant London dining and drinking landscape.
With ‘The Quote Book’, Velvet continues to redefine the boundaries of cocktail making, merging history, art, and innovation into a memorable experience for patrons. This menu is not just a testament to the creativity and expertise of its creators but also an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of human achievement through the medium of cocktails.
