To celebrate the craftsmanship that goes into the making of Star Of Bombay, the latest tipple from Bombay Sapphire, we teamed up with the Hampshire distillery for a very special evening of slow artistry. From the bread on the table, made using a years-old sourdough starter, to the vibrant canvasses on the walls by East London artist Jo Kernon, everything our guests touched, tasted and smelled was a celebration of slowness, quality and care.

First, the food. Carousel head chef Ollie Templeton designed a show-stopping three-course menu inspired by Star Of Bombay’s signature botanicals: Jersey Royals with Brown Butter Foam, Wilted Watercress and House Cured Bergamot Bacon, which had been curing in salt, sugar and bergamot for a whole month; followed by a melt-in-the-mouth 48-Hour Cooked Dexter Short Rib, brought to life by earthy beetroot, pickled walnut gremolata and foraged elderflower that had been preserving since spring last year; and a Preserved Yuzu Meringue Tart with Salted Caramel to finish things off, made with a yuzu syrup that was a full six months in the making.

Next up, the drinks. Our head bartender Matt Varona worked closely with UK brand ambassador Renaud de Bosredon to design a menu of bespoke cocktail pairings: ‘Watercress Olive Oil-Washed Star Of Bombay, Fino Sherry, Tonic Water, Orange Rind, Manzanilla Olive’ [slow-crafted, slick and refined, this seasonal twist on a G&T was enlivened with the peppery bite of the gin’s 48hr watercress olive oil wash and nutty fino sherry back notes]; Star Of Bombay, House Walnut Liqueur (2015), Martini Rosso, Luxardo Maraschino, Beetroot Juice, Bergamot & Ambrette Seed Bitters, Orange Rind [served like a lightly chilled red wine, this earthy creation was a true celebration of all things slow, featuring Matt’s own house-made walnut liqueur, a tot of ruby red Martini Rosso vermouth and the lively botanical notes of Star of Bombay]; and Star Of Bombay, Grains Of Paradise & Cubeb Pepper-Infused Rose Water, Lemon Juice, Orange Zest, Italian Meringue [like a postprandial constitutional through the orangery, this zesty dessert cocktail provided a wonderfully aromatic finish to the meal, topped off with a dollop of the smoothest Italian meringue].

And the setting? With its polished concrete floor and clean lines, our stylish upstairs space provided the ideal venue for a celebration of a modern icon in the making, complete with a sleek and sophisticated bar area, contemporary design furniture and our handcrafted birchwood table by London-based carpenters Mutton & Flamingo.