Last week an email pinged into my inbox, inviting me to an exclusive event in Soho: the launch of Howard Raymond’s premium gin, ‘The King of Soho’. Here at BrandAlley, we’re not ones to turn down an invite; not least when it’s gin-based! And, wanting to give our members the latest insider news, I happily agreed to scoot over and try out this new tipple with my sidekick, Holly.
The event itself was fairly low-key, making it feel even more exclusive. I soon found myself in deep discussion with the bartender, who skilfully multi-tasked to throw me together a delicious cocktail whilst giving me a little bit of history on the brand.
I must admit, I’ve never taken any interest in the background of my beverage before, but found this story rather charming. Whilst I enjoyed my spicy Soho Sling, I was educated on the tale of Paul Raymond, the ‘King of Soho’.
Our story begins in 1957, when Paul Raymond became one of the richest men in Britain after opening Raymond’s Review Bar. His empire grew as he bought up huge chunks of Soho, and revolutionised the district, playing a pivotal role in its progression from what was once a hunting ground to the place it is today.
When he died in 2008, his son Howard – who had inherited his father’s passion for the central London district – decided to create something that would capture and preserve Soho’s unique qualities and pay tribute to his legendary father. The authentic London Dry Gin is, fittingly, distilled in the heart of London. It is smooth and full-bodied, with notes of peppery, warming spice, making it complex yet harmonious; and ideal for drinks where the spirit is King!
The charismatic design of the bottle reflects the heritage of Soho itself. The design includes the flick of a fox tail, recognising how Soho was once a grazing farmland – in fact, rumour has it that Soho was so named after a hunting cry once used. Now there’s a new fact to impress your friends with while you sip your next cocktail!
Try out a few of my fave’s from the evening. Many thanks to the barman for the recipes!
Soho Sling
50ml Gin
15ml Lime Juice
35ml Pressed Apple Juice
50ml Ginger Beer
Pour ingredients over ice cubes, in a tall glass. Garnish with a slice of apple
Evening Thyme
50ml Gin
10ml Volare Triple Sec
10ml Antica Formula
2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
1 dash Regans’ Orange Bitters
Combine the ingredients and stir with a spring of thyme. Garnish with lemon zest and thyme
Straight-Up Gin and Tonic
50ml Gin
100ml Tonic Water
Pour gin over ice, top up with tonic water and garnish with lemon slice
You’ll find The King of Soho Gin in bars in the capital or specialist retailers across the capital, or you can purchase a bottle online at www.kingofsohodrinks.com.
Chin chin!
Bonnie x
