Remember circuit training at school (it sends shudders to my core)? The Takeover have literally taken over this concept and via butterfly net have unleashed it at the Union Street Bar. In place of crunches and perhaps burpees, you can muddle with mixology mastery and baptise yourself in bands which will be ruling the floor for one week of every month.
Flexing your cocktail muscles in the most cardiovascular inducing way the launch saw the venue hosted a trio of premium spirits; Ketel One, Don Julio and Bulleit Bourbon and Rye.
At each brands station guest where challenged to raise a glass with the station master (the brand ambassador) from each tribe.
Don Julios base was held down by the silky smooth operator Deano Moncrieffe, who worked the crowd with a pronged approach. Bloody Mary flavour pop corn was the hors d’oeuvre for Don Julio Blanco and then dark chocolate popping candy was sucked, creating fireworks in your mouth for the Don Julio Reposado’s entrance. No good show is complete without smoke and curtains – and this one didn’t disappoint – old fashioned vapor was layered over the Don Julio Añejo and then served immediately, as to be inhaled and engulfed in one.
If you were lucky enough to make to second based, the dapper peace keeper at Ketel One (David Beatty) was knocking up elder flower martinis and heady negronis. Drinks were served short but strong and whistles were keenly whet all evening (including David’s whom was dipping in and out of the cupboard below for his fix!).
Upon flexing your way to the final station you’d meet Bulleit Bourbon and Rye. This bar was hosted by the buxom blonde ambassador who doggedly met the mad demand for punchy apple and mustard based sours. These were served with hand picked ice and Bloody Mary-esqu canapes made from celery and tomato relish.
Note down the dates (below) in your diary and ready yourself for a real cocktail education, from masterclasses to mini discos the brands will be hitting all five senses right the way through the summer.
TAKEOVERS DATES:
21 – 28 April – Ketel One
5 – 11 May – Don Julio
9 – 15 June – Bulleit Rye
Union Street Bar
Beneath Union Street Café
47-51 Great Suffolk Street
London
SE1 OBS
Website: www.gordonramsay.com/union-street-cafe
Facebook:www.facebook.com/unionstcafe
Twitter: twitter.com/unionstreetcafe
