Chris Tanner is the Bar Manager of Silverleaf in London. He makes us two cocktails, one with Gin fat washed with Olive Oil and Mastiha and the second with Whisky and Strawberry Lapsang Souchong Water.
Chris introduce yourself
My name is Chris Tanner, I’m the bar manager of Silverleaf in London. I started out working with Alex Skarlen and Thor Bergquist at ECC Chinatown when I was in my mid-20s and I immediately got the bug. So over the last decade or so I have been so lucky to work with some great people and some beautiful bars like the Vault in Soho and see the world. And now this new project for less than a year, Silverleaf.
The classic you want to show us
Lemon verbena
30ml of Botanist Gin fat washed with Olive Oil
5ml of Axia Mastiha
15 ml of Verbena Cordial
1 dash Gary Regan’s Orange Bitters
The bar you dream of
I would love a tiny little space with a big kitchen open all day serving tasty treats and everything made by us, beer, fruit wines and spirits. And, important, pet-friendly!
What do you do in your time off
Since opening Silverleaf mostly just rest! I live in Hackney which is great for drinking and eating. I usually spend my weekends with my dog and my partner, enjoying the neighbourhood. We are so blessed with pubs and bars.
The spirit you like the most
All of them, there isn’t any one particular all spirits have their merits. But I generally tend to lean towards more clear spirits like tequila or aquavit.
What makes a good cocktail
Still figuring it out, check back later.
What ingredient do you enjoy using in cocktails
Water… I love playing with the dilution in the drinks. Its probably the most under-discussed ingredient but it goes into every drink we make and at pretty high proportions.
The signature cocktail you want to show us
Strawberry Lapsang
30ml of Bruichladdich Whisky
2.5ml of Port Charlotte whisky
70 ml of Strawberry Lapsang Souchong Water
Where do you think we need to go to interview another bartender
Go to visit Milo Occhipinti over at UNSEEN in Milan, such a great guy and what he does is so deceptively clever.
Thank you Le Syndicat to make it happen