National Restaurant of the Year, Gymkhana, has announced a new series of unique spirit-led dinners in collaboration with a line-up of some of today’s most exciting independent distilleries and spirit brands.
Favoured producers, distillers and experts from the drinks industry have been invited by Karam and Sunaina Sethi, and challenged to create a bespoke drinks list to enjoy with the restaurant’s Michelin-starred Indian menu. The events will be held in Gymkhana’s private dining vaults, secluded on either side of restaurant’s lower ground floor.
The first three events in the series are:
1 March – La Clandestine Absinthe Dinner
Alan Moss, co-owner of La Clandestine Absinthe will host the first in the series, exploring the history and myths surrounding this controversial spirit. La Clandestine is the only absinthe hand crafted in the Swiss village, Couvet, where absinthe was first born and the name Le Clandestine honours those who kept the absinthe fairy alive in Switzerland when it was made illegal during the twentieth century. The evening will include a five course Gymkhana Menu with absinthe cocktails.
3 May – Sipsmith Joins Gymkhana
Sipsmith, pioneers of London’s artisan gin renaissance will be bringing their collection of award winning spirits to Gymkhana. The evening will be hosted by Sipsmith’s Alexander Darley, who will lead guests on a tutored tasting of the Sipsmith collection including their London Dry Gin, Sloe Gin and Sipping Vodka. The evening will include a five course Gymkhana Menu with Sipsmith collection cocktails and tastings.
13 June – Gymkhana X Ceylon Arrack
Directly from Sri Lanka, Rockland Distilleries’ arrack expert will introduce guests to Ceylon Arrack, South Asia’s handmade spirit. Produced by a local family distillery since 1924 and developed by four generations of the same family, Ceylon Arrack is relatively unknown in the UK. Guests will discover how arrack is made and learn more about why it’s becoming so popular. The evening will include a five course Gymkhana Menu with cocktails and tastings.
Gymkhana is inspired by Colonial Indian gymkhana clubs, where members of high society socialise, dine, drink and play sport. The series of spirit events are a nod to their famed drinking customs and atmosphere.