The Redwood Room is located inside the Clift Hotel in San Francisco. It’s the hotels signature bar, and as the name suggests the room is red in decor and the wood panels that adorn the walls are all from a single Redwood tree. The room has high ceilings and an awe-inspiring selection of liquor that sits above the bar. The room is filled with red sofas so you can drink comfortably, and if there is a bad seat in the house we couldn’t spot it. The bar has picture frames of visual wall art that talk to each other, certainly a talking point when visiting. The bar was designed by Philippe Starck, and it really does feel special. The cocktails are not out of place either, a lot to see and do and certainly makes for a very enjoyable evening.
I started with the ‘Redwood Room Martini’, a signature cocktail they are proud to put their name too, and it more than lived up to expectations. This was mixed with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Dry Vermouth, Blue Cheese and Olives. I know my Martini’s and this was a superb example. My partner ordered the ‘Rhuby Red’, a cocktail mixed with Absolut Elyx Vodka, Rhubarb-Pink Peppercorn Syrup, St.Germain, Lemon and Grapefruit Juice, and Champagne. An eclectic blend and one that worked perfectly and we’d happily repeat.
“The mixologists at the Redwood Room are true masters of their craft.”
Next I ordered the ‘East Tonic’, comprising of Bombay Sapphire East, Redwood Room Custom Blend Tonic Infused with Yuzu, Ginger, Elderflower, and Sassafras Extracts. Another fine example of what The Redwood Room have to offer, I was captivated from the first sip as the floral notes of Elderflower and Sassafras were perfectly married together. My partner ordered the ‘Clift Carre’, a lively cocktail mixed with D’Usse VSOP Cognac, Bulleit Rye, Carpano Antica, Fernet Branca, Ginger Syrup, Angostura and Peychaud Bitters, a hard cocktail and not for the faint hearted.
I finished with the ‘Swedish Sunrise’, a drink with plenty of kick, comprising of Absolut Mandrin, Yellow Chartreuse, Fresh Orange and Lemon Juice, and Habanero Shrub. While my partner ordered the ‘Bohdi and Rye’, a delicious, smooth cocktail, mixed with Woodford Reserve Rye, Fresh Lime and Grapefruit Juice, and Fig Jam.
We shared the tempting Crispy Popcorn Chicken with Salsa Verde, along with the Kennebec Fries, with Parmesan Cheese and Truffle Oil from the bites menu. A perfect choice to share while enjoying cocktails. The mixologists at the Redwood Room are true masters of their craft, we enjoyed some superb cocktails and can only hope we return in the future to sample more.
The Bill: £68 per head
