Mangrove Global is bringing the best of Britain’s bar scene back to London’s The Soho Hotel, for another series of guest bartending spots. This follows on from the inaugural Bars of Britain activation which was hosted in the hotel’s popular Refuel Bar in October, 2023.
Inviting some of the country’s most popular and innovative bars to do a ‘guest spot’ for one night only, the sessions will be fuelled by the best of Mangrove’s spirits portfolio, putting each spirit front and centre of featured bars’ signature serves.
Portobello Road Distillery will have two SKUs featured: Portobello Road Savoury Gin and Portobello Road Golden Madagascan Vanilla Vodka. Known for their use of British ingredients and pure, additive-free liquids, the brand has become known more recently for its exploration into complex ‘grown up’ flavoured spirits that are as refreshing as they are interesting.
Denmark’s Stauning Distillery is producing exceptional liquids that boast capturing the unique elements of Danish life, including, ‘the driving freshness of wine and the clarity of the light’, all in one glass. The HØST SKU is a well-crafted, quality double malt and the brand has an edge that satisfies new explorative demographics of drinker.
Next up is VIVIR and their stunning Tequila Blanco. This brand is proving that Agave spirits can be produced in an environmentally conscious way with respect for local Mexican tradition. The spirit itself gives fresh aromas of Agave from the moment you lift the glass and is the right quality to be enjoyed against citrus and spicy flavours.
Chairman’s Reserve is a fairly recent addition to Mangrove’s portfolio, as the distributor recently became responsible for the SPIRIBAM portfolio of Caribbean rums. Chairman’s Reserve has been distilled on the island of Saint Lucia since the 1800s – an ideal climate for the rich maturation of rum. What to expect with each sip? Caramelised fruits, banana, chocolate, and oaky vanilla notes.
Avallen Calvados is featured and likely to be a category of spirit that’s new to many walking through the doors of The Soho Hotel. A fruity, apple brandy, this brand boasts some of the best sustainability creds in the spirits business – but that’s not why you should drink it. The spirit is refreshing, light, and smooth on the palette. It’s drinkable and a great base for many a cocktail.
Our final Mangrove ‘spirit’ on the list is Almave Ambar. A recently launched, alcohol free agave ‘spirit’, Almave is the project of world-renowned Formula 1 star, Lewis Hamilton. The liquid gives the impression of traditional tequila and features the rich agave flavours with notes of brown sugar, toasted wood, and allspice. A firm favourite of those looking for a convincingly complex but alcohol-free beverage.
Nick Gillett, Managing Director of Mangrove Global said:
Last year’s event was a roaring success; something fresh and interesting for British drinkers; and so we knew we wanted to do it again. At Mangrove, we understand the importance of collaboration with the on-trade – investing time and effort with venues and bar teams can really make a brand.
Thanks to team Mangrove, the brands, the bars involved, and The Soho Hotel, cocktail lovers in London are in for a real taste of the British Isles.
If you wish to join The Soho Hotel for what is sure to be a fantastic event for cocktail lovers, the dates for your diary are:
OJO ROJO, Bournemouth – 24th September
Sample Drink: Picante Verde (VIVIR Blanco Tequila, Chilli Liqueur, Lime, Jalapeno Syrup, Cucumber Juice, Tajin)
SCHOFIELD’S BAR, Manchester – 25th September
Sample Drink: William Wallace (Stauning HØST Whisky, English Sweet Vermouth, Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Orange Bitters)
KIKI LOUNGE, Isle of Man – 26th September
Sample Drink: Queenie Martini (Portobello Savoury Gin, Queenie Shell Vermouth, Spiral Wrack, Roe Oil)
THE GATE, Glasgow – 27th September
Sample Drink: Ango-Mango (Chairmans Reserve Rum, Giffard Mango, Lime, Chipotle Paste, Aromatic Bitters, Egg Whites)
Booking is thoroughly recommended for the Bars of Britain event, to avoid disappointment. You can book your table or find out more, here.