There’s a new jazz night in town that just hits the spot. Evenings at the Intercontinental Park Lane have never been better…
Once a month the Arch Bar at the plush Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane is transformed into a lively music venue from times gone by. Not just any jazz night, this particular event celebrates one of the most iconic partnerships in the history of entertainment: GIN and JAZZ.
Now we all know that gin has been having quite a moment this year. As Audrey Hepburn channeling Eliza Doolittle once said, Gin is ‘mother’s milk’ to some. But this pairing is just perfect, especially as it’s brought to life by the incredible mixologists at the Intercontinental with a couple of fitting concoctions that only make the menu when a band is in town.
We headed down to the Arch bar to see jolly jammers The Shirt Tail Stompers deliver some splendid tribute acts, as well as a number of original tunes all in the style of old school jazz. The talented quartet had all the trappings of a traditional jazz band, with brass blowers accompanied by an expert guitarist and superb bassist.
Despite it being a tough crowd to play to, it was a lively atmosphere in an intimate environment. The room was full of music lovers who were clearly enjoying themselves, if the demand for Jungle Book’s ‘King of the Swingers’ at the end was anything to go by.
Between the acts (there were four sets in all) we got to sample an array of delicious cocktails, delivered by an attentive staff that was well-educated on the subject of mixology. I started the night with an excellent choice called ‘Poor Man’s Punch’. Served in a teapot and poured over dry ice, little was I to know that this steaming cold crew would be the gift that keeps on giving. You’re sure to get at least three glasses worth from this, so it’s a good choice for a couple.
Other offerings that delighted included ‘Mother’s Ruin’ and ‘For Gin’s Sake’, the latter being beautifully presented in an authentic sake jar. Mother’s Ruin is an incredibly sweet invention, based on strawberry and a bespoke green tea jelly. Some of the cocktails were so artistically presented that they practically had plants growing out of them!
We also thoroughly enjoyed the array of dishes with which we were presented, including a generous serving of mixed sashimi and some delicious vegetarian dim sum rolls.
All in all, it was a delightful evening, filled with good food, great drinks and all that jazz. Some top class talent and top shelf spirits makes Gin and Jazz at the Intercontinental a winning choice for a first date or classy night out in London with friends.
This is an experience not to be missed, so be sure to check out the Gin and Jazz website for future dates.
