LAVO, an Italian restaurant nestled within The BoTree in Marylebone, believes that crafting cocktails should be a fun and engaging experience—that’s why they’ve now introduced their Negroni Trolley, enabling everyone to personalise their cocktails. Available during their regular dinner services, the Negroni Master will come to your table, preparing and guiding you to come up with a bespoke cocktail.
Located at the corner of Marylebone Lane and Henrietta Place, you’ll walk through a sleek, golden leaf-adorned entrance before entering the restaurant. Inspired by Mediterranean decor, lush greenery fill the walls, with warm lighting cascading across the entire two floors.
The Core and Base
An Italian icon, all the Negronis start with a base of Campari. Then it’s your turn to choose another core spirit to accompany it. Options include Tanqueray Nº Ten Gin, known for its bright citrus notes and a hint of botanicals that refresh your Negroni. For something warmer and richer, opt for Appleton Estate 12-Year-Old Rum, featuring notes of caramel and oak that add depth and sweetness. If you find Campari too bitter, Buffalo Trace Bourbon creates a delightful twist, balancing the cocktail with contrasting notes of vanilla and spice. Made from 100% agave in Oaxaca, Mexico, Casamigos Mezcal adds complex layers to your drink with hints of tamarind, pomegranate, banana, and mango, along with tones of smoke, liquorice, and mineral nuances—resulting in a long, silky finish.
The Essence and Finish
It’s now time to polish your Negroni with the ideal essence—LAVO has selected three possible options for you. Antica Formula boasts a rich and complex profile, fusing sweet and bitter notes from vanilla and orange peel. A traditional-modern blend, Vermouth del Professore Rosso is both herby and fruity, with a touch of spiciness to boost your cocktail. Alternatively, you can choose 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso, known for its smooth profile that combines dried fruit with aromatic herbs, breaking Campari’s bitterness—just tell the Negroni Master.
After that, the finishing touch you choose is also an important choice. For a zesty kick, grapefruit will brighten the cocktail with its citric notes. If you’re leaning towards something deeper, chocolate adds a rich, indulgent layer that goes beautifully with the other flavours. For something stronger, coffee will definitely stand out with each sip—or even more, the rhubarb, introducing a special tartness and tanginess to the Negroni.
LAVO London
Originally opened in Los Angeles, LAVO has established a unique style for serving sophisticated Italian cuisine with a coastal flair. Created by the group’s Chief Culinary Officer, Ralph Scamardella, and executed by Chef Stefano Lotenzini—who brings 24 years of experience from esteemed venues such as Santini, Cecconi’s Mayfair, Shoreditch House, and ME London Hotel—their signature dishes include Tagliatelle al Limone infused with marjoram, sweet butter, and Kaluga caviar, alongside the showstopper Wagyu meatball topped with whipped ricotta. Aside from their Negroni Trolley experience, LAVO has a well-curated wine selection that pairs beautifully with all their dishes.
Bookings can be made here to experience the Lavo Negroni trolley.
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All imagery courtesy of LAVO London.