The week in pictures
The week saw the 10th annual Dinner in the Sky, sponsored by limoncello producer Villa Massa. Suspended around The Atomium in Brussels, diners hovered 50 metres above ground and enjoyed a Sorrento-inspired menu prepared by chef Giovanni Bruno. Guests were welcomed with Villa Massa & Tonica, enjoyed a limoncello granite during the meal and rounded off the experience with a Villa Massa digestif.
On Wednesday Pinkster was official gin sponsor at The Summer Party at The Serpentine Gallery; a staple on the London social calendar. Guests included Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Sienna Miller, Georgia May Jagger, Lilly Donaldson, Ellie Goulding and Cressida Bonas. Pinkster’s signature gin and tonics, served with a raspberry and a sprig of mint, were served alongside Negronis and Pinktinis.
On Tuesday, David Stewart, malt master at William Grant & Sons-owned single malt The Balvenie, was recognised with an MBE for services to the Scotch whisky industry.
The whisky world took to social media to celebrate Stewarts MBE by raising a glass of The Balvenie at 19:45pm – the year he was born – using the hashtag #RaiseADram. Here’s SB‘s offering – congratulations!
Europe’s largest on-trade drinks exhibition, Imbibe Live, returned to London’s Olympia this week – bringing new products, exploring new trends and serving up tastings from both established and fledgling brands.
On Thursday, Gin Mare launched the London edition of its Med Rooftops series, following successful parties in Lisbon, New York and Madrid. The exclusive city escape featured a Mediterranean menu by Mark Hix, innovative gin cocktails and music by Pacha resident DJ Jacob.
Lin Pei-Shou from Taiwan was crowned the winner of the Ballantine’s International Cup during a tense Global Final at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Scotland. His victory was announced at a special event held at Castle Stuart Golf Links ahead of the 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, where he was presented with the International Cup trophy by the Ballantine’s Golf Club Captain Paul McGinley.
Rum goliath Bacardi launched The Casa Bacardi Stage at week-long London festival, Barclaycard Presents British Summer Time Hyde Park. Serving up Mojitos, Swizzles, Punch and more; the stage has welcomed a variety of artists ranging from bands to DJs, and will continue its residency until Sunday.
Chase Distillery travelled to Henley-On-Thames to serve cocktails from the new Horsebox bar at Henley Royal Regatta, situated at the half way marker. Attracting thousands of visitors over a five-day period, spectators were thrilled by more than 200 races of an international standard, which included both Olympians and crews new to the event.
Bars and brands both local to the US and international celebrated the country’s Independence Day on 4 July; hosting events, sharing posts on social media and crafting bespoke cocktails. Across the pond, STK London celebrated its American roots with the launch of its Fourth of July Menu – which included the Tennessee Mule created with Jack Daniels Old No. 7, ginger beer and lime.
