A few weeks ago I was invited to experience the South African luxury gin brand, Inverroche at East London’s hottest new hotel, The Gantry also celebrating the launch of their terrace. Perfect! I haven’t been to East London in over 15 years and how things have changed!! The new developments in the area will certainly give Chelsea some stiff competition in the future. Talking about ‘stiff’, I came prepared to indulge in what nature, gin, and tonic have in common with a stiff drink courtesy of this perfect collaboration.
As I arrived and took a lift to the roof terrace on a rather cold London evening, I was greeted by the wonderful PR representative for the Gantry, Sabsile Appleton who later introduced me to Elizabieta Nowacka and the amazing Marta Rodriguez who heads the sales team at The Gantry. Marta delightfully gave us an insight into the pop-up menu which was presented on seeded paper menus and coasters and encouraged me to take it home and plant which I kindly obliged. The seed mix will also be planted out on the terrace, and as the warmer months roll in, vibrant poppies and English daisies will begin to blossom gloriously. I was informed that the garden will also be scattered with charming little plant pots, filled with plants and fragrant herbs, some of which will be used in the cocktails. Now, that’s what I call #MindfulThinking.
Back to the co-star of the show, Inverroche who was certainly taking center stage on the table. The new South African entry into the British gin market is certainly looking forward to dominating in a domain that has seen a sharp rise in sales figures over the past few years. Yes, more people are drinking Gin and the Gantry Hotel was the perfect backdrop to commence their confident entry into the British arena. Set in a striking contemporary building across the street from tree-lined Victory Park, this high-end hotel is a 2-minute walk from Stratford International train station and a 4-minute walk from Westfield Stratford City shopping mall. Chic rooms have Wi-Fi, minifridges, and TVs, plus sitting areas, and tea and coffee making facilities. Upgraded rooms offer Olympic Park views. Suites provide living rooms. Room service is available. Amenities include 2 bars (one on a rooftop terrace), and a polished restaurant with a terrace, along with a gym, parking, and breakfast. Situated just off the hotel’s main restaurant, Union Social, the terrace offers views across the city’s sweeping skyline. The secluded wrap-around terrace will be an oasis for after-work drinks, weekend cocktails, and the drawn-out sunset evenings of summer. As night falls, the two large open-air fire pits with elegant built-in benches become a tranquil hideaway to while away an evening and enjoy a cocktail or two.
Inverroche has worked alongside The Gantry’s bar team to devise a selection of refreshing but refined cocktails
that truly encapsulate the regenerative nature of a UK summer. The menu will explore the full range of South
African botanical gins, from the crisp Classic Gin to the luscious, tannin-rich Inverroche Amber, as well as the
silky-smooth Verdant expression, which has been infused with late summer blooms and gives the gin a subtle
green hue.
Examples from the cocktail list include:
• Temple Garden – Inverroche Verdant Gin, Lime, Sugar and Cucumber, topped with Ginger Beer
• Reviver – Inverroche Classic Gin, Lemon, Cointreau, Cocchi Blanco and Absinthe
• Pollination – Inverroche Amber Gin, Chambord, Lemon and Local Honey, topped with Ginger Ale
The seasonal seeded menu at The Gantry is part of Inverroche’s new By Nature campaign, which is aimed at
creating sustainable practices not only in the way Inverroche makes its gin but also in the ways it can be
enjoyed at venues. The Inverroche pop-up at The Gantry offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle
of the city below, for thirsty Londoners and discerning travelers to enjoy a guilt-free, sustainable G&T.
The Inverroche menu will be served at The Gantry’s Union Social bar
THE GANTRY, 40 Celebration Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1DB
www.thegantrylondon.com
www.inverroche.com
