There are very few truly alfresco bars in the city - unless you're a fan of standing on pavements breathing traffic fumes – so when the sun shines and it's gin o'clock try the bar terrace overlooking the gardened courtyard at St. Ermin's Hotel, close by St James' Park.

A new bar and drinks menu offers fresh ingredients from the hotel's rooftop kitchen garden, honey from the hotel's own hives and a zero proof selection of drinks for those who prefer - or those who may join the traffic later. Thomas and Evans No.1 aromatic botanical beverage is a perfect, and grown-up, non-alcoholic drink as is Monte Rosso, a full-flavoured Aperol Spritz but without the alcohol.

This season their drinks partner is the London Essence Company whose light, lo-cal iconic mixers such as Grapefruit and Rosemary Tonic Water, Bitter Orange and Elderflower or the Classic London Tonic Water add a zing to your choice of artisan spirits.

Other liquor partners for the London Essence Terrace at St. Ermin's include the Belsazar vermouths – Rose, Dry, Red and White, Calle 23 Bianco Tequila and Mezcal – excellent paired with a London Essence Classic Tonic. Gins include Gin Mare, Monkey 47 and Harris, vodkas include Chase Orange Marmalade and Snow Queen.

London Essence Terrace at St. Ermin's is open through the Summer, weather permitting and will host a series of floristry courses led by Toby Roberts as well as live coverage from Wimbledon, the World Cup and the Royal Wedding.

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For further information, visuals or review requests please contact WixHill on + 44 (0) 1483 203992. Jenna McCooey e:jenna@wixhill.co.uk  Tim Fordham – Moss e: tim@wixhill.co.uk