05/11/12 - 0 Comments
Return to the Roaring Twenties Thanks to Gin & Jazz at London’s Arch Bar
Executive chef of the InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel’s Arch Bar, Paul Bates aims to please.
Arch Bar hosts one of London’s most widespread gin celebrations, Gin & Jazz, which occurs once a month, usually on the third Thursday. Fans of the Gatsby-esque Golden Age are delighted by vintage gin cocktails to commemorate the jazz music of one of history’s most decadent periods. Don’t be alarmed, though, as these aren’t moonshine drinks or illegally distilled beverages clandestinely produced and distributed by smugglers like years of yore. As long as you’re of age (and that’s 18 in the UK), you can enjoy your cocktail in law-abiding style. In addition, Bates includes a styled hors d’oeuvre plate to match the decade’s lavish atmosphere. Arch Bar’s aim with this is for their guests to experience the rich taste of gin from the Prohibition Era (1920-1933).
Of course, this isn’t the only night that the bar offers their tasty gin treats. Each evening at 5:30pm, guests are treated to a gin cocktail of the day in honor of Great Britain’s traditional “gin hour.” The award-winning team makes sure their patrons aren’t deprived of hidden gin treasures and classic cocktails alike.
When asked what bar manager Stefano Filistad and his crew of professional bartenders include in their cocktails, their only answer will always be passion, balance and understanding guests’ tastes. Not forgetting a little dose of creativity, of course. Besides the obvious goal to please their clientele, the bar team works to infuse traditional alcohol with a modern twist. A favorite with customers though, has to be the Cloudy Moonshine. The drink includes Hendrick’s Gin and No 1. Park Lane tea (exclusively blended for the hotel by Tea Palace). In addition, Bénédictine Liqueur is added to create the herbal notes. Sweet, sour and vanilla syrup are the final touches to create the perfect combination..
The Arch Bar’s Gin & Jazz event really allows enthusiasts to kick back and enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere (just like the roaring twenties), complete with the hotel’s view of Hyde Park and the iconic Wellington Arch. Next time you’re in the Mayfair area, make sure to check out this gem — gin connoisseurs will not be disappointed.
Image credits: Cookbook Cafe and London Jazz
