Saturday 11th June is officially World Gin Day, so what better excuse to enjoy a refreshing summer tipple? Contrary Life has found four cool events happening in the UK to celebrate the day…
Junipalooza London
The Junipalooza in London.
When: 11th & 12th June 2016
Where: Tobacco DOCK, Wapping Lane, London, E1W 2SF
£: Tickets cost £39 per session (tickets should be bought in advance)
What is it?
Junipalooza London will be giving gin fans the chance to meet makers and sample unique gins from all over the world. There will be masterclasses, music, food, a dedicated cocktail bar, and of course, hundreds of tasty gins to sample.
To celebrate the global nature of the occasion, Junipalooza London 2016 will have a particular focus on combining both UK brands as well as dozens of international distilleries, many of which will be making their UK debut. Distillers from the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and countries all over Europe will be attending.
Gin brands will include the East London Liquor Company, Isle of White Distillery, Mews Gin, Conker Spirits, Sipsmith, Rock Rose, Poetic License, Silent Pool, Skin Gin, Elephant Gin, Santamanía, Gin Mare, and Hope on Hopkins.
Those attending the Junipalooza can attend either the 11am to 3pm session, or the 4pm to 8pm session.
More info: www.ginkiosk.com/products/junipalooza-2016
Newcastle Gin Festival
The Newcastle Gin Festival.
When: 9th – 11th June 2016
Where: Castlegate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2JQ
£: Tickets cost £7.50 (plus booking fee)
What is it?
The Gin Festival in Newcastle promises fun, live music, and over a 100 different varieties of gin to sample. Attendees will be able to learn about the history of Britain’s favourite spirit and meet some industry experts.
The admission price will include one of GinFestival.com’s iconic copa gin glasses to take home. There will also be food available from local vendors. The festival will run over four sessions, with evening sessions from 6.30pm to 11pm on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; plus an extra afternoon session from 12.30pm to 5pm on the Saturday.
More info: www.ginfestival.com/events/gin-festival-newcastle-summer-2016
Ginchester Fete
When: 11th June 2016
Where: City Mill, Bridge Street, Winchester SO23 9BH
£: Tickets cost £10 (plus booking fee)
What is it?
The Ginchester Fete in Winchester will be aiming for a village fete feel, but for grown-ups who like gin. What’s not to like?
Fete visitors will be treated to a cup of punch on arrival, before indulging in two hours of themed fun. There’ll be drink stalls, a cake stall, and a tombola. Stalls from Green Man, Toscanaccio, Chococo, Parsonage Farm, Gorilla Spirits Co, Long Barn, Winchester Distillery and the Cabinet Rooms will be in attendance.
More info: www.cabinetrooms.com/ginchester
Gin Tasting Safari
The Gin Tasting Safari at Mr Fogg’s Tavern.
When: 11th June 2016
Where: Mr Fogg’s Tavern, 58 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4EA
£: Costs £40 per person
What is it?
Mr Fogg’s Tavern will be hosting five back-to-back Gin Tasting Safaris, beginning at 12pm.
Filled wall-to-wall with more than 300 of the finest gins from all four corners of the world, Mr Fogg’s Tavern’s eclectic Gin Parlour will be inviting guests to celebrate England’s most revered spirit.
Before embarking on the Gin Safari, all guests will be given a special safari hat and branded Mr Fogg’s apron to wear on the expedition. During the safari, guests will have the chance to sample six of the rarest and most interesting gin varieties from around the globe. There will be expert tuition from one of Mr Fogg’s barmen, discussing the history, origins and tasting notes of each gin.
To cap off the session, guests will also be able to enjoy two gin and tonics of their choice.
More info: mr-foggs.com/tavern/event/world-gin-day