Jamie Oliver & Simon Difford - the launch

Jamie Oliver and Simon Difford successfully launched the bar at Jamie's Italian in Islington late April 2014. An evening together with the press turned the media's attention to the craft of cocktails and the pleasure of Italian grappa.

Jamie Oliver invited Simon to work with his team to redesign the bar from what was previously a large, quite soulless offshoot of the restaurant to a warm and cosy bar in its own right.

But he didn't just tackle the physicality of the venue, instead designing a cocktail menu which complimented the restaurant's Italian theme and drew on the concept of aperitifs and digestives.

Simon and Jamie's team also sourced grappa from around Italy to showcase the varieties and complexity of the spirit. To see the cocktails, and how to create them at home click here.

In the media

Jamie's Cocktail And Spritz Bar from Design My Night.

"Introducing a new cocktail bar into his already popular Italian restaurant adds a wonderfully sophisticated element to the space. Boasting the largest grappa selection in Britain as well as delicate and well-crafted tequilas, Jamie's Cocktail and Spritz Bar promises to serve only the best...So if you're looking for a great spot for cocktails in North London, make the pukka choice and go with Jamie's."

Jamie Oliver and Simon Difford launch Cocktail & Spritz Bar at Jamie's Italian in Islington from Hot Dinners

"Jamie Oliver and cocktail guru Simon Difford were holding court at the launch of Jamie's first Cocktail & Spritz Bar...There's nothing else like this in Angel - so we predict it'll be a huge success."

The Best Cocktails In London from GLAMOUR.

"The cocktails were... Refreshing, sharp and energising - everything you want from a post-work pick me up...This new outing for Jamie Oliver also boasts the largest Grappa collection in the UK. After teaming up with Simon Difford to track down some of the best around, it's worth checking out the extensive and very impressive Grappa menu, alone."

Jamie's Cocktail & Spritz Bar opens in Angel from jamieoliver.com

"Jamie was there to greet lots of special guests and help serve up some amazing new cocktails from a special menu devised with drinks guru, Simon Difford of diffordguide...The new bar is a lovely place to wile away a few hours with a spritz and some lovely snacks."

Jamie Oliver's new bar in London from Eating Covent Garden.

"Jamie's Cocktail and Spritz Bar is next door to Jamie's Italian Angel restaurant. And it's lovely...a buzzy, welcoming space with a huge island bar and seating all around - it's even got booths...my very favourite! The cocktail and spritz menu has been developed in partnership with cocktail expert Simon Difford."