malt vinegar base
- 60g aged malt vinegar
- 10g sugar
- 10g salt
- 20g lemon juice

Ashley Palmer-Watts
On the menu at The Devonshire in Soho
malt vinegar base
Place the aged malt vinegar, sugar and salt into a small sauce pan and bring to a simmer.
Whisk until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved, then allow to cool.
Add the lemon juice and mix well.
Store the base in the fridge until required. (keep for 4 weeks in a sealed jar)
malt vinegar emulsion
Place the malt vinegar base into a small pan and heat to a simmer.
Reduce the heat down add butter, by whisking in 1-2 cubes at a time.
Once all the butter has been fully emulsified, remove from the heat and reserve.
scallops, bacon and malt vinegar
Clean the scallop shells and run through the dishwasher to clean.
Place a frying pan over medium to high heat, drizzle oil over the scallops and turn over to coat evenly, season with salt.
Carefully place into the hot pan and cook until the first side is golden in colour. Turn the scallops and add the bacon to the pan, cook on the second side whilst the bacon starts to colour.
Arrange 3 shells onto a plate and when the scallops are evenly cooked remove and place a scallop into each shell. Season with a little black pepper.
When the bacon has a light golden colour remove the pan from the heat and pour in the malt malt vinegar butter. Add the chopped parsley and gently warm through.
Place 3 bacon lardons around each scallop and a generous spoon of the malt vinegar butter over the scallops and serve.
The Staff Canteen has always been more than a website—it’s a community, built by and for hospitality. We share the wins, the challenges, the graft, and the inspiration that keeps kitchens alive.
We believe in staying open to everyone, but creating this content takes real resources. If you’ve ever found value here—whether it’s a recipe, an interview, or a laugh when you needed it most—consider giving just £3 to keep it going.
A little from you keeps this space free for all. Let’s keep lifting the industry, together.