This February (2024), The Coral Room, one of London’s prettiest bars, has created a new menu inspired by Richard Crosbie, the first Irishman to make a manned balloon flight. Mr Crosbie’s Great Aeronautic Adventure menu charts an imaginative course through history, geography, and flavour.
On 19 January 1785, Richard Crosbie, dressed in a fur-lined silk robe and a leopard skin cap, took to teh skies. Watched by over 35,000 onlookers, he launched his balloon from Ranelagh Gardens in Dublin, aiming to soar across the Irish Sea — and perhaps even around the world. Despite his ambitious vision, Crosbie descended five miles later into the fishing village of Clontarf. He made further attempts (one memorably with his cat in tow), but his dream of global exploration remained unrealised.
This February, The Coral Room, helps him along the way! From the wilds of Bohemia to the mysterious lands of Hindustan, the unexplored territories of New Holland, and old Edo in the East, each cocktail on their new menu is a passport to discovery, celebrating the cultures and stories of the places over which Crosbie dreamed of floating.
16 Destinations, One Incredible Journey
Crafted by The Coral Room’s exceptional bar team, Mr Crosbie’s Great Aeronautic Adventure features 16 meticulously designed serves that reflect the spirit of their imagined destinations. Highlights include:
- Shisoni – A delicate oriental Negroni featuring Ki No Tea Gin, Heavensake Junmai Ginjo, yuzu sherbet, Amaro Santoni, and lychee, evoking Japan’s refined elegance.
- Piñata – A vibrant homage to South America, blending Abasolo Mexican Corn Whisky, Nixta Corn Liqueur, The Lost Explorer Mezcal Salmiana, coconut, lime, and a smoky taco mix for a cocktail bursting with bold, layered flavours.
- Koka Koala – A whimsical journey to the Australian outback with Brugal 1888 Rum, Mr Black Coffee Amaro, macadamia, eucalyptus tincture, banana, and lime, capturing the wild essence of New Holland.
- Botticelli – A masterpiece of Italian artistry featuring Altamura Vodka, extra virgin olive oil, Mancino Secco Vermouth, and a fennel taralli cordial, echoing the Mediterranean’s clear waters and golden landscapes.
- Silver Nymph—Inspired by the mystique of Greece, this cocktail combines X Muse Vodka, cucumber and dill, Axia Extra Dry Mastiha, mint Greek yoghurt, and lemon for a refreshingly herbaceous experience.
A menu that soars above expectations
Accompanied by stunning illustrations from Steve McCarthy, the menu transforms each cocktail into a story, blending meticulous mixology with Crosbie’s boundless imagination. From Morocco’s opulent warmth to Japan’s cherry blossoms, every drink showcases The Coral Room’s flair for innovation and its standing as one of London’s most celebrated cocktail destinations.
Global bar takeover series
To celebrate the launch, The Coral Room is hosting an exclusive series of international bar takeovers. Bringing award-winning mixologists from world-renowned bars, these events offer guests the chance to experience the finest global cocktail culture, echoing Crosbie’s vision of connecting the world.
Il Mercante Venezia, Wednesday 19th February
The first stop on the journey is a nod to Botticelli, the cocktail that reflects Crosbie’s journey to the Italian coast. Venice’s world-famous Carnival culture will come to life in London as bartenders from the iconic Il Mercante Venezia will take over for one night only from 7pm-10pm. Known for its truly inventive and modern cocktails, the team from Il Mercante Venezia showcase their Venetian flair through world-class serves inspired by colourful masks and costumes, and lively celebrations of the annual carnival.
Sidecar at The Westbury, Friday 14th March
Next stop Ireland, where Crosbie raised a glass with his own more-ish version of Irish whiskey and began his hot air balloon journey, resulting in Liffey Cream. On Friday 14th March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, two of Ireland’s most prestigious bars will arrive at The Bloomsbury for a double takeover and an unforgettable evening of signature cocktails, live music and a true taste of Ireland, a celebration of The Doyle Collection’s Irish heritage.
From 7pm – 10pm Oisin Kelly (2019 Irish National Cocktail Championship winner) and Maroje Milosevic from Sidecar at The Westbury are returning for a guest shift at The Coral Room following on from the success of last year’s Irish Heritage month takeover. Meanwhile, from 9pm – 12am bartenders from the award-winning Latin American-inspired Paladar in Cork city, named Best Overall Bar in Ireland for two years in a row, will be keeping the Irish spirit alive well into the night over at The Bloomsbury Club.
While the next stop on the world hot air balloon tour is yet to be revealed, these takeovers promise unforgettable evenings of live music, cultural celebrations and a taste of the world’s most imaginative cocktails, all just a few minutes’ walk from Tottenham Court Road station.
Find out more and book your table: https://www.thecoralroom.co.uk/whats-on/
The Coral Room
16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
thecoralroom.co.uk
@thecoralroom