Hotel launches Tour de France-inspired ‘gin bike’

Inspired by the exploits of British riders in the Tour de France, Waterhead Boutique Hotel has created a ‘gin bike’ to carry samples of locally-produced gins for tourists and locals to try.

The bike will make appearances along the shores of Windermere and at Low Wood Bay Marina, as well as in the remote fellsides of the Langdales and Kirkstone Pass.

The Lake District hotel is known for its exotic gin and tonic menu with special twists, signature garnishes and themed flavours.

The Waterhead also holds regular gin tasting events for guests to experiment with flavours and talk to gin distillers from around the UK.

Waterhead’s hotel manager Anthony Sutcliffe told In Cumbria: “Cycling has become a highly popular pastime for many Lake District visitors.

“The gin bike is a great way of getting out and about and engaging with walkers, other cyclists and local people to let them learn more about the art of gin cocktails.

“There are so many flavours and tastes they can enjoy here at the Waterhead as our gin collection continues to grow.”

He added: “The gin bike features a range of different gin miniatures, including the Lakes Distillery’s locally produced The Lakes Gin, Bedrock Gin which uses botanicals from the local area, Pickerings Gin from Scotland and Williams Chase Gin from Herefordshire.”

The hotel has launched a competition to encourage people to look out for the gin bike and take photographs with it in unusual or prominent Lake District settings, with the winners treated to a complimentary stay at the hotel and gin and tonic tasting experience.

Recently, Hendrick’s served their gin cocktails on a double-decker bus “disguised as a giant cucumber.”