London hotel bar offers Martini trees for Christmas
The Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge has teamed up with Beluga Vodka to transform its Rotunda bar into a frozen forest, with Martinis as decoration.
From 13 November, the venue will be decorated with feature sledges, lanterns and festive greenery, culminating in a 12-foot Christmas tree at the centre of the bar, adorned with Beluga Martini glasses.
Created by the hotel’s in-house florist, Renatto Ribeiro, the installation is inspired by a legendary concept from Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico. Here, glass pitchers – called porrons – are filled with gin and vermouth and buried in snow or hung from trees, intended to help fortify skiers before their descent.
The installation is accompanied by a tableside cocktail experience with Martini ‘trees’. Guests are presented with a smaller Martini ‘tree’, from which they can choose a glass, their perfect ratio of Beluga Vodka to vermouth, and a selection of garnishes and tinctures.
The Martini tree is topped with a dish of Beluga caviar.
The Beluga Vodka Martini ‘Trees’ Experience costs £90 (US$118) for four full-sized cocktails or £45 (US$59) for four mini versions.
Head of bars Michele Lombardi has also created a festive Martini menu, which is served from the Beluga trolley. This includes the Christmas Martini, finished with a marzipan ‘olive’.
The bar and lounge is also offering a festive afternoon tea in collaboration with East London bakery Lily Vanilli, as well as a hot chocolate trolley.
Lombardi will host two festive masterclasses on 5 and 18 December, sharing mixology guidance and expert hosting tips. Each masterclass will include a mini welcome drink, the chance to create two festive cocktails and a selection of bar bites and nibbles.
“Each year, Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge seeks to capture the spirit of the season in a way that feels truly extraordinary,” said Victoria Lebedeva, director of food and beverage. “This year, in collaboration with Beluga Vodka, we have reimagined the hotel as an enchanted forest, with exquisite decor by Renatto Ribeiro; an elegant celebration of craftsmanship, creativity and festive indulgence – exactly what this season is all about.
“From our Martini Trees adorned with Beluga Martinis to Lily Vanilli’s exquisite festive afternoon tea and Valrhona’s luxurious hot chocolates, every element has been designed to transport guests into a world of winter charm and timeless sophistication.”
Earlier this year, the hotel bar launched an incubator programme to champion independent drinks brands.
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