Move Over Martinis: DUKES St James London Launches G and Tea

Recognising the trend for tea infused alcohol, vintage-inspired drinking parties, and the consistent demand for afternoon tea, DUKES ST JAMES LONDON has launched ‘G & Tea’ a brand new afternoon tea experience combining two of the most recognised British traditions: the afternoon tea and the Gin and Tonic.

The brainchild of DUKES’ Food & Beverage manager, Robert de Vivo, this quirky afternoon tea experience can be enjoyed by guests in the hotel’s elegant Drawing Room or Conservatory area, overlooking the hotel’s tranquil courtyard garden. Served in a delicate china teacup evocative of the Prohibition era, a staple prop adopted by London’s popular vintage parties, the tea infused gin can be savoured cold with ice and tonic during the warmer months, or as a hot punch in the winter. Accompanied by a range of delicious afternoon tea treats, the ‘G & Tea’ concept offers a completely new take on this traditional afternoon dining experience.

‘G & Tea’ begins by guests selecting their preferred infusion, using either a velvety Black Vanilla tea or traditional Earl Grey. Once chosen, a dedicated DUKES waiter will serve guests their preferred tipple from elegant vintage decanters, pouring the tea-gin infusion over an abundance of refreshing ice, lime and lemon into a traditional china teacup. Guests will then be offered a homemade sweetened tonic syrup to top up the drink to their heart’s content. Accompanying afternoon tea culinary delights include a fine selection of H. Forman’s smoked Scottish salmon, ham and tomato, cream cheese and cucumber and coronation chicken finger sandwiches, a delicious assortment of pastries and warm fruit and plain scones.

Experts in all things gin, DUKES recognises that gin’s inherent botanical properties make this popular spirit ideal for combining with the flavours of tea leaves. This innovative ‘G & Tea’ concept brings an age-old British pursuit into the twenty-first century.