As previously reported on businesstraveller.com, IHG’s new Meetings Programme looks to add a little zest to meetings, including, at the chain’s Intercontinental Park Lane property, the chance to try your hand at making the perfect gin cocktail.
The newly revamped Arch Bar – named after the Wellington Arch in the middle of Hyde Park Corner opposite the hotel - uses four main brands of gin for its cocktails, though it stocks some 25 different brands, from the well known to the never-heard-of.
The new package is for canapés and gins paired together for groups of 10 or fewer and charged at £18pp. Gin cocktail master classes are available for a minimum of six persons and a maximum of 25 persons, charged at £25 per person. They involve the creation of two cocktails, which you can then drink, followed by a chance to sample ones made by professionals while the knowledgeable staff give you a run though of gin’s connections with London.
Interesting facts include:
- The drink probably originated in Holland in the 17th century as a medicine flavoured with juniper berries.
- The phrase “Dutch Courage” came about because it was the name British soldiers gave to a juniper-flavoured spirit they were given before battle.
- During the reign of William and Mary it became a popular drink in England, and by 1730 London had over 7,000 dram shops and the UK was well on its way to having a drink problem.
Cocktails available at the bar include:
- TUPPENCE DUTY: Fifty Pounds gin, Champagne and fresh lemon
- OLD TIME TIPPLE: Berkley Square gin, cranberry and freshly muddled cherry tomato and basil
- POOR MAN’S PUNCH: a version of Pimm’s cup with Hendricks gin, lemonade and fresh fruit
- PRUDENCE: Sipsmith gin, fresh basil and citrus vermouth
For more information visit intercontinental.com/meetingeurope.
Tom Otley
