Celebrity Gin Tasting: Go gin-tasting with the stars!
First, we take a selection of the world’s finest artisan gins. Next, we welcome you to the UK’s most prestigious venues for a delicious three-course gourmet meal. Then, to top it all, we invite along the most charismatic stars from sport, stage, screen and showbiz, to clink glasses and spin stories. We’ll drink to that.
Gin tasting experiences worth raising a toast to
Gala is renowned for our connections in the world of sport, and some of our most memorable events have been led by stars like Ashes legend Michael Vaughan, Rangers goal machine Ally McCoist and England Rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall (with the panel completed by a gin expert). No surprise, the stories flowed just like the gin.
But don’t be afraid to think outside the box. If your passions lie elsewhere, ask our team about your personal heroes – whether that’s a pop star, West End icon, Masterchef winner or TV gardener – and we’ll dive into the best little black book in celebrity experience hospitality. That same ethos of ‘anything goes’ extends to everything from venue to menu. Just ask – and we’ll deliver.
– Michael Vaughan: The former England cricket captain, played 82 test matches and 86 one day internationals. Vaughan famously led England to the Ashes in 2005 and has led his country to their most amount of test match victories. He also has his own gin business, appropriately named in cricketing terms, as ‘Declaration Gin’.
– Ally McCoist: Ally scored an incredible 251 goals in 418 games for Rangers, winning ten league titles. He also made 61 appearances for Scotland, was a team captain on the BBC’s ‘A Question of Sport’ for 9 years and is now a regular pundit on ITV’s football and Talksport radio.
– Mike Tindall: Former England rugby star Tindall made 75 appearances for England, scoring 74 points and most famously won the world cup in Australia in 2003.
Celebrity gin tasting venues: We have selected four London based venues below, along with one Birmingham option. If you need any alternative options or any other locations around the UK, please let us know and we will come back to you further details.
LONDON: Smith and Wollensky, Adelphi Building: Selected randomly from a list of surnames in a telephone directory, the Smith & Wollensky brand was created in 1977 and the first restaurant opened that same year in New York. The flagship green and white building in New York was the springboard for a boutique collection of iconic locations around the US, and, as of June 2015, the first restaurant outside of the US – located in the landmark Adelphi Building in London. Renowned as ‘London’s Best Steakhouse’, the restaurant’s steaks are USDA Prime, dry-aged and butchered on-site, making it the only steakhouse in London which offers a cut of meat that combines all three. We are thrilled to offer our wine tasting package in an exclusive private dining room within the restaurant.
LONDON: Pied-a-Terre, Fitzrovia: Pied à Terre is an independently owned West End gastronomic restaurant located in the heart of Fitzrovia, London W1. Established in 1991, the restaurant has gained some of the highest awards and accolades possible, starting with its first Michelin star in 1993 and becoming a two Michelin star restaurant in 1996, retaining one star currently. High level celebrations are what the private room at Pied-a-Terre is all about, which features its own butler-style service. A private bar adds to the sense of occasion, although the main event is always going to be the Michelin-star food, together with the wine from a stellar list.
LONDON: Aqua Restaurant, The Shard: The tallest building in Western Europe and one of the finest pieces of architecture in the UK, The Shard offers the best and most panoramic views of London. Discover contemporary British dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients and carefully matched wines or beautifully-crafted cocktails all within this iconic landmark. The spectacular restaurant space has floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering 360-degree views of London and beyond. The glass walled private dining room at Aqua Shard can seat up to 30 people on three round tables and is the perfect space to take in the sights of the capital. If you want to thrill guests with a location like no other, this is the choice for you!
LONDON: Wellington Arch: Surprise and delight your guests by hosting an event at one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, Wellington Arch. Located at Hyde Park Corner, it has the historic looks, elegant stylings and spectacular views of the London skyline. One of London’s best kept secrets, few people realise that this imposing arch also doubles as a chic party venue, hosting hundreds of events every year. Rooms on two levels provide a contemporary setting within this iconic historic landmark for receptions and dining. Doors open directly onto balconies with great views across Buckingham Palace Gardens, Westminster, the London Eye and the Shard.
BIRMINGHAM: The Cube: Widely considered one of the most compelling additions to Birmingham’s ever-changing skyline, The Cube is a world-class destination located in the heart of the city. Located just minutes from New Street Station, the iconic 25 storey building was designed by award-winning architect Ken Shuttleworth. Head to the top of The Cube to experience refined dining and remarkable views like no other in the city at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. Offering spectacular panoramic views across Birmingham, this highly regarded restaurant is as famous for its mouth-watering steaks and eye-opening cocktail menu as the stunning views it offers over the city.
