Notice how Alessandro Palazzi doesn't interrupt and always gives the conversation to Kirby should they speak at the same time. A true gentleman in a class of his own.

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Indeed!

@tomlock5484

8 ай бұрын

He really is. He makes you feel like you are the most important man in the house. He is genuinely interested in other people. He's such a nice chap.

@leewalsh3520

6 ай бұрын

​@@kirbyallisonenjoying your channel immensely. I know now how I'd spend my time and money when I win the lottery. Keep up the good work Sir. God bless you 🙏

It's a pleasure to be reminded that there still exists a world of elegance and class in a world becoming more and more devoid of it.

@diegok3661

10 ай бұрын

For the longest time, I thought that my generation is, for the lack of a better word, doomed (I’m 18). One must remember: For every genius the internet brings forth a million dim-witted nincompoops. So as far as I can tell, hope isn’t lost, far from it. With modern medicine, travel options and a seemingly infinite amount of knowledge at their fingertips, we must only encourage our kids and teens and give them a little nudge in the right direction and all will be just fine.

@aechchai8712

10 ай бұрын

Get off the internet every once in a while and you’ll realize things have never really changed lmao

@iloveyouskii

9 ай бұрын

@@aechchai8712very true, people that complain about this bs are chronically online.. social media doesnt show you the real world… niches exist all over the world. If youre watching this guy make videos that are “classy” and you like them too youre not special its been like this for years the population is only growing

@AaronChristopherSaulters-jo9xl

9 ай бұрын

Refined people are simply the best.

@2cuntsgaming

8 ай бұрын

Agreed, the internet has its pro's and ALOT of cons but once we step into the outside world where you cant just run your mouth and harras another, there is parts of society that exude class, sophistication and a little dignity. -Cyba

This channel is such a gem. You rarely see someone valuing the importance of elegance, tradition and the art of enjoying life anymore.

@cloudforest4087

8 ай бұрын

Even the importance of talking properly, breathing through your nose and pausing.

@eddiel7635

5 ай бұрын

I once ordered three and when the guy finished making them I stood up and tipped over that little table so they spilled everywhere… I had to immediately order three more. They weren’t impressed and I was the opposite of elegant.

He is not "just" a bartender, he is an artist that is proud of his work.

@user-hv4de6ei2r

18 күн бұрын

Literally anyone can make this

Not typically a martini guy but every time I'm in London I make my way into Dukes 2-3 times. The Vesper is in a class of its own. Alessandro is almost always there as well and a great guy.

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Alessandro is truly a legend. One of my favorite things to do is just watch him work the room. He is a true master not just of cocktails but of hospitality.

@Darragh1

10 ай бұрын

I don't like gin, but I wanna try that Vesper.

@robertrushing627

9 ай бұрын

Ok I am booking a flight !!!

@RichardEnglander

Ай бұрын

Does he use grain vodka not potato vodka? The latter is oily

@orbtastic

Күн бұрын

@@RichardEnglander I had a bottle of that stuff there, it's high-end Polish rye vodka.

I have been a James Bond fan since I was a young boy; soft Jazz in the background, the commentary between Alessandro and Kirby was excellent. Dukes is par excellence as a venue. Bravo gentlemen.

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

The production quality of this one was amazing! I must congratulate you. :)

@primarya4156

10 ай бұрын

not amazing, it's proper

@edfrugal4321

10 ай бұрын

@@primarya4156.

What an impeccable man. A charming, conversationalist who brings you along for the journey. Pure class, graceful in his passion, a gentleman. You must find a way to bring Alessandro to our screens more often!

This was a home run for content and production. It's beautiful to see a man at the top of his game like Alessandro. Thank you for introducing Duke's to a wider audience. Definitely stopping by when I'm next in London!

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@thomashelm6931

Күн бұрын

So, if I'm a guest at the Hotel, can I, briefly, go upstairs, can I come back down and have 2 more Martinis? Provided that I don't stagger too much? Just asking

As a 25 plus year barman and counting.. I love this. Cheers Alessandro from a colleague across the pond

Alessandro just mentioned 'Operation Mincemeat the story of which is told so well in ' The Man Who Never Was'' my favorite version being the 1955, with Clifton Webb, Michael Hordern, Laurence Naismith, and Stephen Boyd, which I just watched again yesterday. It's so nice to share something with someone you would like to meet and one day I hope to sit at Duke's Bar.

Another masterpiece.. this channel is too much

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@clivejohnson9515

10 ай бұрын

I have to agree! Kirby is the gift that keeps on giving!👍👍👍👌👌👌

I've watched this several times now. Whenever I happen to be home alone for a day or so and looking to make myself a nice cocktail to enjoy the evening, I find myself putting up this video on my TV. Though I've heard the conversation before, it's always a pleasure to hear the passion behind the craft.

Wiltons has long been my favorite as well. When I first started going there they had a framed photo of Charles and Diana behind the bar. After they separated, Wiltons cut the photo in two and framed them separately:) Their rock oysters, their smoked salmon, their lamb their...everything is superb.

@nickthompson7743

10 ай бұрын

They had quite a reasonable coronation menu.

Duke's was, and will forever be, the best cocktail experience of my life.

I was fortunate enough to visit Duke's with my sister in October '23. What a treat this was! I'm not generally a martini fan but had to have a Vesper Martini....what an amazing experience! Glauco was our table side bartender and he was simply incredible! We saw Alessandro there as well...a class act! While mixing at our table, Glauco told us all about the drink and engaged in friendly talk. The Vesper martini, which is delicious, was a highlight of our trip to London and I will definitely be back!

Thank you Kirby and Alessandro. I am so grateful Kirby you are standing up for normalizing a passion for details, quality, and good fellowship. In a world getting more and more encouraged to follow the lowest common denominator as "normal", there is so little self-esteem in society today. You see this with many being triggered, even offended, at the idea of bettering themselves whether via clothes, manners, or time-valued traditions. Sadly, no one has taught them there is a vast world of difference between self-importance and self-respect, between false pretensions and genuine joy in sharing hard-won excellence with other appreciative people. Thank you again, Kirby! Sending lots of love and gratitude to you and your team. P.S. I would love to see you do a video that incorporates cocktails and cigars...especially helpful would be explaining how to pair cocktails with cigars. Maybe there is a fine cigar lounge-bar willing to offer some advice on your show?

@petrolhead1960

10 ай бұрын

Well said. I couldn’t agree more. It pains me to see the incivility that passes for normal or cool behaviour nowadays. That’s why I enjoy Kirby’s videos so much.

@jasonwoodhouse103

10 ай бұрын

Very well said.

@johan13135

10 ай бұрын

You watch Kirby because you wanna see a wide-eyed Texan roleplaying as a European aristocrat, being a bit cringe as he rolls around London or other capitals with a faux pas hat. Or make even the most mundane stuff sound painfully pretentious. He's fun watching because he's genuine in what he does, but still fumbles because he becomes such an cliché of what an American thinks a traditional, old money, aristocratic European behaves and dresses likes. And he also belongs to the very much non-traditional influencers, promoting the "iGents" lifestyle. And they personally profit from pushing overpriced stuff onto their clueless followers. Thats their main drive to make these kinds of videos and blog posts

@cannibalholocaust3015

10 ай бұрын

Classy stuff Johan. Sure, it’s a bit of escapism for most who watch and the idiosyncrasies are part of the fun of any culture clash. At least you acknowledge the absolute sincerity of Kirby. Maybe he’s too polite and respectful for your cynical tastes.

@GiaGRitter

10 ай бұрын

I second this! Absolutely everything you said including the pairing video.

Eloquence, sophistication, and refinement! Priceless. Outstanding! Semper Fidelis

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Absolutely no television! I love it!

@hanskloss1331

11 күн бұрын

I'm curious what the policy with cellphones is IMO shut them OFF

When Kirby says 'Dukes' I hear Al Capone 'Put up yer dukes!' He's soooo gangster 😂

Mr Allison, So few gentlemen exude just such grace and humility without any amount of pretentiousness or insincerity in this day and age. In my experience from some years of my youth performing the role as a chaperone in some fine bars and establishments here in Australia, there was an ayre if superiority and entitlement by too many attempting to sire themselves as gentleman that always spiked the hairs on my neck, you Sir, are not among these men and women. You truly are a man out of time past, a true gentleman.

Watching the master fixing you the best Martini in the world, while drinking one as you wait, what a boss move.

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Alessandro is the best. On any given night, Alessandro personally knows over 50% of the people at the bar. His ability to work a room is incredible. All while serving his famous martinis!

@greglinski2208

10 ай бұрын

@@kirbyallisonI bet he knows _you_ intimately 😂 🥳🤤😋

Amazing video as always. Now we all Kirbylievers will have another stop to visit during the Kirby Allison's Experience in London ❤❤❤

Pure Kirby, pure class.

The ultimate video on making a martini. The whole experience of having a martini. Now I just need a tray of oysters to pair with it.

The Trolley at the tableside is one of the things that make the bar so elegant and sedate. I remember my visit there more than a decade ago. Very polite staff and other patrons. It was sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of a very busy city. The gauzey sunlight entering the room from the lounge window gave a nice soft summer afternoon glow. That was still the best martini I have ever had. ...and I don't prefer to drink them as they are not as good. (the local bar at our seaside hotel that was once a haunt for Hollywood types like local son Gregory Peck and anglophile writer Raymond Chandler had put in a new bar to replace the beloved bar from 1948 and had "Vesper" on the menu that did not come close to following the recipe in Casino Royale at all and was akin to bad kerosene; so I told the bartender how they do it at Duke's Bar and he agreed to make one and he himself tasted it and said that it was waaaaaay better than what they had. )

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

The trolley is indeed special. There is a refinement to it. And everyone gets the same level of service! Martinis made table side!!

Fantastic production. I love the fact that Duke’s is hidden and one seeks it out.

The truly Gentelmen's vibe, CHEERS !

Easily one of your best videos Kirby, it has been a pleasure to watch you mature into a comfortable delivery and a very good spokesman for "quality, craftsmanship and tradition". Anybody watching will be adding a visit to Alessandro and Duke's to their bucketlists. Cheers!

I trust the gentleman completely with his choices of gin and Vermouth, but when he said his lemons were from Amalfi, the coastal town of Italy, I knew that this man was a master. To him, no one ingredient is more important than another; the citrus, as he said, welcomes your senses to the drink and prepares the palate. Well done, sir.

Outstanding Kirby. Your content just keeps getting better and better.

Beautiful! A real master of his craft. Thank you both for sharing!

Absolutely adore these videos. Anytime Kirby uploads, I relax and toast a cigar and only imagine living a fine life like him

I just wanted to take a moment to say how amazing your video was! I was really impressed with the quality of the footage, the editing, and the overall presentation. You did a great job of explaining the topic in a clear and concise way, and I learned a lot from watching your video. I also really appreciated the way you made the video engaging and entertaining. You kept my attention throughout the entire video, and I never felt bored or lost. I would definitely recommend your video to anyone who is interested in learning more about the video.

What a great video! The content and production quality is impeccable. Thank you for holding the standard high at a time when sloppiness is the rule. May you long lead the way in aspirational culture.

Pure class, 'shaken not stirred'.

Love how Kirby loves London - true gent!

Alessandro is the Duke's jewel. Fascinating from start to finish.

Great video. The look of anticipation on Kirby,s face while waiting for his first sip of a Vesper. Priceless!

This is a love story. An amazing appreciation for the art form, style and what this is about.

I have watched this video at least three times now... Amazing... Thank you.

I had my first martini at the Dukes in the spring of 2000 prepared by Mr Palazzi's predecessor, Gilberto Preti. Our son was with us so we had to sit in the lovely drawing room down the hall where Mr Preti brought the cart to us. Very nice. The martini was essentially the same but he instructed us to chew a cashew, then an olive (no pimento) and then take a big sip. We each had our two drink limit.

Awesome! Thanks Kirby 🎉. Will make it a must destination when in London

Kirby angling for that OBE 😅

i may never ever expensive this side of life of the " well dressed" but its always so fascinating to watch these videos you just learn so much

Kirby this is brilliant thank you for showing your appreciation for the service industry. I like the cut of your gib young man.

Always high quality videos with great content!

Isn’t beautiful to know that these sort of places still exist ! I can’t wait to go . Thanks Kirby for sharing these gems , and a thank you to the bar man , he’s definitely worthier of a Fleming character!

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Don't forget to check out all of our other videos on the channel! We have at on of equally excellent content from London!

i love your videos so relaxing. You should show more interior of the bar IMO

Kirby you always show the simply elegant way of life we all wish for. As someone who could never be elegant, you allow me to dream. But as I make and drink a Martini, I’m transported. Thank you.

Thank you for bringing this gem to my attention, Kirby! Fantastic video as usual!

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Totally enjoyed this, thank you.

Superb video! Well done Kirby. Alessandro is the pantheon of grace and genteel and what a treat that Martini must be!

Pure, unadulterated class.

As a real gin fiend, this was particularly exceptional viewing. Vermouth is usually my deterrent for a martini, but at Duke's with Alessandro at the helm, I'd happily succumb to those 125 mL! Brilliant work, Kirby (and Alessandro!)

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

An "essence" of vermouth, as described by another person in the comments. Just the right amount! haha

Absolutely Amazing!

I was the best man at my friends wedding that took place at Dukes and we both got hammered in their bar on their Martini's before the wedding.

Bravo, Kirby. Excellent production.

My favourite cocktail bar! Great to see it on this channel

It is an unforgivable sin to visit London without having a Vesper at the Duke's Bar. I am truly blessed to have been served 'several' over the years by Maestro Alessandro Palazzi.

Phenomenally done! Definitely a must visit in London! Alessandro's presentation is unparalleled. Cheers!

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

Fabulous episode

I normally stay 10 minutes away so must try there sometime. Normally a whiskey/whisky neat drinker but when in London….. The best thing on the cart was the Amalfi lemons. Just a fantastic fruit you can eat like an apple. Unlike any other lemon.

I learn so much from this channel, excellent!

I'm imagining Kirby in a "King Ralph" scenario, and he's like "I'm so ready for this". Great content. Change nothing.

Fascinating and nice to see Duke's bar in the limelight. Its now owned by a private Dubai Property Developer. I weep.

Kirby, an absolutely fantastic video. Thank you!

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Thanks!

The best video you’ve ever made!! Watching it for the third time now. Good job

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Wow, thanks!

What a wonderful place, thanks Kirby

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Brilliant. Such nostalgia thanks

A wonderful video as usual, Kirby! I'll be in London in September, so I'll make a point of going there!👍

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

You won’t be disappointed!

This was absolutely amazing 😮

Kirby Goes Bond! This Was A Real Treat! Thank You!

Fantastic video, thanks a lot!

Your cameraman needs a raise. This was beautifully shot

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

😅 they’re already paid a fortune! Haha. Hats off to the editors, as well. Filming it is often the easy part.

@marcosfigueiredo8515

8 ай бұрын

Nice since of humor

As a youngster, I seemed to have a talent for inventing cocktails, standing at the bar. Years later, in the Middle East (yes!) I bought a book on cocktails and all the mixing paraphernalia and thought I would start with the perfect martini. I started by selecting a good gin. I came up with Hendricks. I tried, tried and tried again. I mixed every concievable recipe and didn't mix a single cocktail that was even approaching acceptable. It's not as simple as following a recipe. Next time I'm in London, I'll visit Duke's and try a proper martini. At least I will know what a good one tastes like...

Thank you so very much for this video. I never realized that the humble Martini could be elevated to such heights. Nothing makes me so appreciative than a Man who is passionate of his craft. The construction of the perfect Martini. Keep up the good work.

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

truly exceptional

I must visit this special place, amazing video.

Great video. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

What a fascinating chap. His job is his vocation, so good to see that in these hectic, changeable days.

Absolutely loved this Kirby.

Without a doubt my favorite bar because of Alessandro 💕💕💕

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

A woman in the know! Alessandro MAKES the bar! Such a kind gentleman and always so friendly and gracious.

Another masterful video showcasing another gem of london. As a gin lover, this is definitely on my to do list next time i am in london along with a visit to Davidoff of london. On another note, i was pleasantly surprised to see him use Potocki vodka. We had a old family friend who had a distant nephew that is related to the destilleri and thus introduced us to the vodka. One of the best vodkas i have tried so far and can imagine the fabulous taste of that vespa.

This well hidden bar is fitting with Ian Fleming/James Bond character! This is one of the best and most interesting videos you have made. In my opinion. He was SO great to listen to. ALL that history and knowledge! Did you notice behind Alessandro while he was talking at your table is a cool picture hanging on the wall of Sean Connery wearing his infamous tux! What’s so great about this hidden gem is how Ian Fleming loved this place! Knowing that he had sat there too! I would love to get the Vesper! Looks so good. I must go to this special place! When in London. Thank you for making THIS video. Cheers! 🍸

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Thank you!! 🙏🙏

What a great video, I usually walked St James´s street and I passed it for a full year... great video, great channel. I miss London!

Excellent view of a bastion of sophistication in a sometimes less than world, bravo.

Elegance-galore...my my

That was an absolute joy. The Martini is absolutely singular. There are other greats, but the martini sits outside of everything else. I've never seen it made like that either. Visited the American Bar recently and had a corpse reviver in honour of Harry Craddock, but I am absolutely heading to Duke's next time. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Wonderful stuff.

Top notch Kirby. Thank you.

"not just chilled, but properly chilled" - love this!

I once had a Vesper at Dukes right next to you. It was a wonderful evening. Thank you for the fantastic videos.

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

Wow! Hopefully, I had the opportunity to say hello! Love this place. I truly do look forward to returning every time I’m in London

Excellent - pure class

Thank you for this. Will be in London in April, and looking forward to Duke's.

Wow amazing video and quality . Alessandro bring a charm and high end experience to the place

Wonderful episode! Fantastic variety while keeping the lovely theme. Great distractions too while waiting for specific follow up episodes. Yes, I'm waiting for Eddie's 2nd or final fitting. Please please do another vintage hunt with Max Foulkes.

@kirbyallison

10 ай бұрын

We’ve already filmed the second fitting with Eddie, so it should be coming soon. And YES to another video with Max… but he’s a hard cat to corner.

@pacheeswods

10 ай бұрын

Thank you for the update Kirby! 😊

Fascinating viewing !

Great content I could listen to this for hours with my port.

The oil is from what I assume must be the Polish potato vodka, I'm sure theirs isn't but it can be greasy, but then having oil, alcohol and water means that the esters and ketones, the flavonoids from the orange et al. Lovely.

I've wondered about a visit to Dukes when in London. Now I'm persuaded I'll have to pay a visit.