I tasted the most extraordinary thing last night. 

We in the West live in bewildering times. There is so much of everything around us. So much to see, do, and above all, of course, consume. And consume we do. It's not surprising that at times one feels a little jaded. And it's very seldom I've experienced a completely new flavour. 

But that is what happened to me at Nightjar last night when I tried its Druid's Botanist Cup. The DBC (and I am sure Pierre would like it), created by mixologist Nikolett Macza, is a forager's delight. Yes, I know everyone is saying foraging is over. Perhaps they haven't tried this drink. It contains The Botanist Islay gin, infused with mahonia and rowan berries, super-peaty, smoky Caol Ila single malt, damson, Unicum plum liqueur, conifer bitters (yes!), bee pollen, and lemon. You might have to read that sentence several times. And even then it will sound crazy. The whole thing is served in a bamboo cup that, while it hides the beautiful colour of the cocktail, makes up for that in insulation and wabi-sabi simplicity. On top are a bamboo straw, a mushroom 'flower' and a bit of frankincense, which is set fire to to create a holy-smoke 'garnish'. Honestly, it's bonkers. The flavours come in waves that, I can only assume, have been carefully orchestrated. I was wide-eyed with wonder. 

Nightjar is such a great bar. And all the better for being more or less right on Old Street roundabout, which is a stressful place from which one craves teleportation. Nightjar goes part of the way there with its dim lighting, banquettes, tiles, louche speakeasy vibe and interesting props. The Druid's Botanist cup does the rest.

Perhaps don't try it if you've recently given up smoking and are therefore a) clearly an addictive type, and b) vulnerable to the lure of smoky things.