This is a sponsored article on behalf of That Boutique-y Gin Company.
The capital's first pineapple gin parlour opens this month (31 May-3 June), offering a refreshing antidote to a (hopefully) balmy London summer.
That Boutique-y Gin Company launches the immersive pop-up to celebrate the exotic fruit, and to reinstate it as a symbol of decadence and hospitality — in time for this year's International Pineapple Day.
Given the success of its Spit-Roasted Pineapple Gin — a multi-award-winning tipple, don't you know — it's fair to say that That Boutique-y Gin Company knows a thing or two about the (not so) humble pineapple. And if you're thinking pineapple gin sounds like a new-fangled invention... well, you're wrong. The drink has been around since the Victorian era, and this latest incarnation takes inspiration from historic recipes, while updating it to make it as tasty as possible.
So really, indulging in a tipple or two could be classed as historical research... and we do love research.
The pop-up doubles up as a museum dedicated to all things pineapple too. Food historian Tasha Marks has been called in to unveil the rich and fruity history of the pineapple via a number of installations — including scratch and sniff wallpaper.
Unlimited cheese and pineapple is available to munch, ideal stomach-lining fodder for the menu of refreshing pineapple cocktails. (Top tip: use the code word 'mule' on entry to get a free Pineapple Mule — Spit-Roasted Pineapple Gin mixed with ginger beer with a good squeeze of lime. One per person, while stocks last).
What's more, Brand Ambassador Gareth Waughington leads exclusive pineapple cocktail masterclasses throughout the weekend. Learn about the regal history of the fruit from the 1400s to the modern day, and pick up top tips for serving the pineapple gin — with plenty of tastings thrown in, of course. Only 12 places are available at the six masterclasses, so book your spot pronto.
Plus of course, you can stock up on Spit-Roasted Pineapple Gin at the Pineapple Parlour — and you'll receive a canned craft cocktail and pineapple gin goodie bag if you do. Rude not to, really.
The Pineapple Gin Parlour & Museum is at 15 Bateman Street, Soho, W1D 3AQ, from 6pm on 31 May, and then 12pm-late until 3 June 2019.
If this has whet your appetite for refreshingly fruity gin, there's even better news. We're giving you the chance to win a year's supply of That Boutique-y Gin Company Gins, kickstarting with Spit-Roasted Gin. Enter your details below for a chance to win.