1

Dec

2017

Becky’s Diary: Out and About in London – Gin Tasting and Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard

As you may know I live in Sheffield, which is lovely don’t get me wrong, however I do get invited to some pretty amazing events, that normally take place in London. To make sure that you, my lovely readers, don’t miss out on hearing and reading about these fab events, my very lovely London reporter Becky often takes my place and attends these events on behalf of Boho, and my oh my has she been having a lovely time recently!
Becky is here today to tell us more about her outings and I have to say I am more than a little jealous!

I’ll pas you over to Becky to tell you more

I recently got to do two of my favourites things.  Drink Gin and see the London skyline, here’s my account of both.

Gin Tasting with the Ginstitute

Gin is massively on trend at the moment.  And I love it.  So when I was asked if I wanted to try out The Ginstitute Experience I jumped at the chance.
I’ve noticed at the weddings I’ve been to recently that Gin is becoming a bit of a feature. From drink stations to favours and hen / stag parties, gin is all the rage.

The Ginstitute Experience is a sophisticated Gin tasting event from the people that make Portobello Road No. 171 gin.  An actual London based Gin company!
Tucked in the basement of The Distillery at No.186 Portobello Road, this is an experience for true Gin lovers.  Your experience begins with a very educational and interesting history of Gin, with plenty of it to drink while you listen!

Then comes the best bit…  after your class, the real fun begins.  You get to make your very own gin.  Although first they give you a lesson on what exactly are those amazing flavours.  Basically meaning you sample all the botanicals that can be used in gin!  This all helps you to decide what you’re going to put in your bottle.  The very knowledgeable tutor helps you make the right choices though…so at least it is drinkable at the end.
It was such great fun!  I mean you drink a LOT of gin so how can it not be. You can even keep ordering your very own gin online – perfect if you want to put your own stamp on your wedding gin or just give them as presents.

The Ginstitute do offer bespoke wedding packages.  From a private couples experience to pick gin for your wedding, a pop up gin station for your wedding or even a romantic mini-moon at their lodgings.  I would definitely love this as a hen event as well.  It’s certainly very memorable and I can’t recommend this experience enough.

 

Launch of the new Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard local market wedding menu

Next was my event with a view.  It was on the 34th floor of The Shard to be exact at The Shangri-La hotel. The Shangri-La is the city’s highest hotel wedding venue and they offer wedding packages for as little as 30 people to your big affair.
We were invited to try their unique Local-Market Wedding Menu, which they’ve just launched, which celebrates the finest seasonal produce sourced directly from the hotel’s neighbourhood.

We had a taster menu so we could sample the amazing produce on offer but the happy couple would get to explore the neighbourhood where they would experience, taste and select their menu from places like Neal’s Yard in Borough Market or Jenson’s Gin in Bermondsey.
The food was just amazing.  Every dish was fresh and inspiring, with interesting flavours and combinations. The desserts were also some of the best I’ve ever had and they were gluten free, lactose free and sugar free, which is hard to believe is even possible (hats off to Heather Kaniuk, the Executive Pastry Chef)!

I can honestly say having your wedding here would be the ultimate city wedding.  The view, as you stand in one of their opulent rooms, of London’s iconic landmarks is special.  Then with a wedding breakfast that can compete with any Michelin star restaurant, this makes it even more special.
You also know when you book a wedding with them you will be very looked after.  Our hosts were so passionate and knowledgeable about what they do they will make sure your dreams come true.  I had such a great night and this was just a dinner.  I can’t imagine what you would feel if it was your wedding.  If you wanted a truly breath-taking London wedding then this is the perfect place.

 

For more information on both events go to www.theginstitute.com and www.shangri-la.com/london/shangrila

 

 

Becky

Hi, I’m Becky. A city dweller, living with my partner right in the heart of everything, in London. I take great delight in discovering new places, so I try and escape as much as I can.
 I am practically a professional wedding goer and just love experiencing or looking at a couple’s special day and seeing how they have put their own unique stamp on it.  I am a little obsessed by all things decadent and vintage and love anything that is a fairy tale come true.

Instagram @red_hot_clikker / Twitter @RedHotLondoner

 

Why not visit our Supplier Directory

Comments

    Please leave your comment

    We reserve the right to remove any comment that we feel is distasteful, rude, hurtful or inappropriate, so please be nice. Remember the weddings featured on this blog are real people and their weddings mean a lot to them. Please be mindful of this and other people's feelings. If youhave a problem with any of the content please contact me directly.

    Thank you xx

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.