07 Jan 2014
THE VARSITY HOTEL HOSTS A 'MOTHER'S RUIN' EVENING OF BOTANICAL DELIGHTS WITH A DECADENT GIN PAIRING SUPPER FOR MOTHER'S DAY
On Sunday 30th March, The Varsity Hotel (www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk) will host an evening devoted to Britain's most quintessential spirit, with a gastronomic gin supper at its restaurant, held in association with the Cambridge Distillery. To be held on Mother's Day, this 'Mother's Ruin' gin pairing evening has been designed as the perfect treat for gin loving mums.
Attendees will enjoy a decadent three course pairing menu, alongside expert talks and demonstrations explaining the provenance and production of this highly individual and historic spirit.
The event will be hosted by the hotel's acclaimed Head Chef, Angus Martin, and Will Lowe, Master Distiller at the Cambridge Distillery and a world-renowned mixologist, who has created drinks for the Queen at her Coronation Anniversary at The Ritz.
Attending Mums and their guests will enjoy an engaging talk from Will, a true expert in the spirits industry, revealing the history and construction of this complex spirit along with demonstrations on creating finely balanced botanical infusions. Angus will be on hand to introduce guests to the inspiration behind each of his specially created dishes.
The evening will start in style with the freshly distilled blend of Cambridge Gin, produced exclusively at the Cambridge Distillery, paired with its definitive counterpart, Indian tonic. Guests will then enjoy a sumptuous three course tasting menu of Angus' expertly prepared gin-infused dishes, each with a bespoke pairing of individually matched gin cocktails created by Will.
The feasting begins with Smoked Salmon Gravlax, cured using the Autumn-Winter Cambridge Gin, which is perfectly accented by the use of dill and mustard. With appetites piqued, diners move onto the main event, a Rib Eye Coated with Crushed Juniper Berries, which have been macerated in the production of Cambridge Gin's Autumn-Winter blend; this will be served alongside silky mashed potato and gin and tonic onions.
For those with room to spare, the banquet is completed with a Dark Chocolate Pot laced with Gin served with Cranberry Biscotti in a modern take on a kitsch classic. Each course will be served alongside cleverly contrasted cocktails, creating a true harmony of flavours.
Launched in 2012, the Cambridge Distillery is the first distillery in Cambridge, and has quickly become renowned for developing seasonal and innovative blends of gin, available exclusively in Cambridge at The Varsity. It produces bespoke gins for some of the world's best restaurants, including Noma who enlisted Will's expertise to create a gin using the citrus note found in the bite of Danish wood ants.
There are few places more idyllic for gin lovers to spend the perfect evening treating mum, discovering unique botanicals and flavour combinations, than the waterside setting of the Varsity Hotel.
The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill's Gin Paring Menu
Starter
Gravlax of Gin Soused Salmon
Served with Walnut Toast & Marinated Cucumber
Cured with Salt, Sugar, Ginger, Fennel & the Autumn-Winter 2013 Blend of Cambridge Gin
Main Course
Local Rib Eye, Crusted with Macerated Juniper
Served with Gin & Tonic Onions and Mustard Mash
The macerated juniper used is a by-product of the distillation process that goes into making the Autumn-Winter 2013 blend of Cambridge Gin
Dessert
Gin Dark Chocolate Pot & Cranberry Biscotti
Laced with the Autumn-Winter 2013 Blend of Cambridge Gin
Places are priced at £49, guests will be treated to three courses, with a gin pairing alongside each course; tickets can be bought from www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk
Notes to Editor
About The Varsity Hotel & Spa
Since its launch, the independently owned Varsity Hotel & Spa (www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk) has been a popular destination for holiday makers and travellers wanting to experience Cambridge in luxury and style. The riverside location, rooftop terrace, outstanding restaurant, full-service spa and the modern décor combine to make this hotel amongst the most luxurious and well-appointed in Cambridge.
Ideally situated in the centre of Cambridge, guests are truly immersed in the culture and charm of local life from the moment they arrive; The Varsity hotel is the perfect base for punting, shopping, sight-seeing and nightlife.
The hotel's staff have welcomed an array of A-list celebrities including Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes, as well as the families of Royal households, and are dedicated to ensuring that guests have a wonderful and memorable experience.
The hotel sits amidst the city's buzzing Quayside area and, backing onto the picturesque River Cam, it is located in one of the most attractive spots in Cambridge. The top two floors of the hotel are made entirely from glass allowing guests breath-taking views of the surrounding area from the comfort of their room, including St John's College spires, the lush green of Midsummer Common or the punts gliding down the Cam.
Bedrooms are available for check in from 3pm and check out is by 11.00am the following morning.
Prices at The Varsity start at £155.
About Cambridge Gin
Cambridge Distillery's Autumn-Winter 2013 blend is the second edition of the UK's first seasonal, highly limited edition gin and is available exclusively at The Varsity, as well as by the bottle at Selfridges. The gin is made in tiny quantities of just 50 litres and takes special advantage of locally grown and foraged botanicals. It is a rich and full-bodied gin with a bold range of aromatic flavours, lending to an opulent, rounded palate created with rosemary and dried orange peel, with a gentle spice of root ginger and a subtle layer of fennel seed.
Cambridge Gin's Autumn-Winter blend is available exclusively in The Varsity Hotel, Cambridge, or by the bottle in Selfridges. For more information on Cambridge Distillery, visit www.cambridgedistillery.co.uk
The Varsity Hotel & Spa
24 Thompson's Lane
Cambridge
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Alex Godfrey
0203 617 8888
