World Gin Day 2018: Where to sample London’s most tantalising tipples

This Saturday marks a celebration of a beloved British classic: the incomparable G&T. In recent years, the drink has seen a reinvigoration of grand proportions, earning it a loyal, if increasingly picky, fanbase. The downside to this, of course, is the inevitable and overwhelming influx of infusions and variations that leer at us from behind every bar. In order to help you this navigate your options this World Gin Day, we’ve selected some of London’s best homages to the hallowed spirit.

Indulge in a stylish G&T experience at Sanderson’s Long Bar

If you’re a fan of quality and style, why not head down to the spectacular Long Bar at Sanderson. They have launched their debut Gin & Tonic menu at the perfect time, with cocktails including The Botanist and Star of Bombay. Centrally located but in a tranquil setting with floral installations, this is the ideal destination for gin-lovers to make the most of World Gin Day 2018.

Get spoilt for choice with perfect serve G&Ts at Ask For Janice

What better way to celebrate a lazy summer’s day than being presented with a 39-strong list of G&Ts? Fuelled by their passion for freshly foraged ingredients, Ask for Janice is offering a series of locally-sourced tipples at their laid-back bar, where you can enjoy favourites such as Jensen’s Old Tom gin with rosemary, fig and Fentiman’s tonic, or Ungava served with orange zest, lavender and Fever-Tree tonic. All this under a leafy canopy overlooking the vibrant Smithfield Market.

Take a sip of summer with Cotswolds Gin on the Angler Terrace

To celebrate the blooming of summer, Angler’s rooftop terrace has launched a picturesque collaboration with the Cotswolds Distillery, making it the perfect location for celebrating World Gin Day. The six-strong cocktail list, all priced at £12, includes The Cotswold G&T as well as The Hedgerow Martini. The sun-drenched, 7^th-floor terrace is dressed in fragrant flowers and foliage, making it the ideal central location for city-dwellers to escape to the country and enjoy the gin celebration.

Get trollied at M Victoria Street Terrace

The newly-launched M Victoria Street Terrace will be offering a literal trolley service on 9^th June from 6-8pm. Circulating the venue, staff will be providing their guests with the opportunity to have an education on the many varieties of gin, before constructing their drinks with a choice of glassware, garnish, bitters and mixer. If that’s not enough, the person that creates the best drink will win a hamper of three premium gins to take home.

Beef up your beverage at Simpson’s in the Strand

The Knight Bar at Simpson’s in the Strand are connoisseurs of the popular juniper-based spirit, many of the drinks having been crafted exclusively for the venue. On World Gin Day, you can try something new with a twist on the classic Bloody Mary, the Red Snapper, which mixes Simpson’s bespoke London Dry Gin by Portobello with lemon juice, signature Bloody Mary mix, tomato juice and a touch of the delicious beef gravy used in Simpson’s roast beef. 

Catch up over an afternoon G&T at Fayre Share

If you think booze is best enjoyed with friends, why not head down to the newly opened Fayre Share in Victoria Park Village, a concept restaurant passionate about social dining. Here, you and your mates can enjoy your gin and tonic served from a traditional teapot (available for two and four), complete with saucers. Pair it with delicious dishes for the table and a stunning outdoor terrace, and you can’t go wrong. 

Cool down with a gin and tonic ice-cream from Judes 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice-cream. But just imagine the frenzy that will emerge when people discover that Jude’s are now flavouring it with our most beloved beverage? This summer, be sure to sample a scoop of the ultimate refreshment, made using award-winning Sipsmith London Dry Gin. 

Rosamund Kelby