The other day we visited a very different kind of gin bar. Trendy cocktail company Smith and Sinclair have opened a pop-up on Carnaby Street that is essentially a grown-up sweet shop. Although a little gimmicky, I love a touch of the theatrical when it comes to cocktails and S & S did not disappoint!
As soon as we arrived we were greeted with a sea of gin pastilles in large display cabinets. We were offered a nibble on two different flavours - Gin & Tonic and Elderflower Spritz. Although they tasted as harmless as a Rowntrees, we were warned not to be fooled, as each contained a healthy half shot of gin!
As we headed downstairs to the main bar, we were presented with more confectionery delights. Six different flavours of gin lollipop, each carefully created to perfectly compliment the cocktails on the menu. The lollies acted as a kind of alcoholic dib-dab and we were encouraged to get creative with our selections. I deliberated long and hard (much like a kid in a candy store) but eventually went for the Raspberry Collins, Alex kept it classy(ish) and plumped for the Negroni flavour.
Grown-up lollipops were not where the quirkiness ended; also on offer were flavoured bubbles (much like boba) that burst in the mouth and edible perfume which the staff encouraged us to spray on our wrists and then lick off. Unfortunately, the perfumes tasted more like bathroom cleaner than anything else so I wouldn't recommend adding a bottle of this stuff to a loved one's stocking next Christmas.
It was high time for a drink. Feeling the 90s nostalgia, I opted for a Parma Violet - a heady mix of Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Triple Sec and Violet Liqueur. Although it also tasted pretty good, the great thing about this drink was the fact it changed colour from aqua blue to deep purple as you poured. Reminiscent of the Violet Beauregarde episode in Charlie and the Chocolate factory or a potions class in Harry Potter, I was not too grown-up to get excited!
Next it was time for Gin and Tonic on a spoon, served by a cheerful waiter. It consisted of fizzy gin powder mixed with a few drops of tonic from a top secret pipette. The end result was one of a very strong traditional G&T, what's not to love?
Before it was time to head home, we were ushered to the corner of room for one last spectacular display: A large cauldron filled with gin vapours that we were told to stand close too and inhale. I was a little nervous at first but was rewarded with a surprisingly flavourful experience. Part shisha, part dry ice, part cocktail, it was certainly worth trying!
Following the big display, there was nothing left to do but finish our drinks and call it a night. I would highly recommend a visit to Smith & Sinclair, but you will have to hurry, it's only around for a limited time!
