A newly-opened London restaurant created to bring a “quintessentially English drinking experience” to London’s South Bank has revealed that “its English sparkling wine has out-sold Champagne by a ratio of four to one.”
Gillray’s Steakhouse &Bar in London’s County Hall is offering a selection of sparkling whites and roses, white Seyval Blanc and Faber and red Rondo and Pinot Noir, all of which have proved extremely popular with the discerning drinkers and diners visiting the restaurant and bar in its first month of opening, say the owners.
Bar manager Karina Elias says: “English wines have seen an increase in popularity recently and we have been hugely encouraged by the response from our guests since opening. The sparkling wines from Chapel Down have been a real success story for us. Chapel Down’s modern winery enables to produce smart, varietal and fresh wines that display the best characteristics of our English Vineyards. Given the similarity of the English climate and soil to the Champagne region England is able to produce sparkling wines of exceptional quality, in addition to refreshing whites and mellow reds which pair exceptionally well with our restaurant menu.
“Our customers have cleaned us out of stock three times and we have now quadrupled our stocking order to meet demand and will be adding new lines to our initial list in the near future.”
18th Century caricaturist
With a sophisticated and stylish Thames-side destination, Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar also offers 10 English beers, 39 English gins and seven English vodkas as well as a collection of cocktails listed through the ages, designed by Elias – ex-Copacabana Palace Hotel – and head bartender Carlos Santos.
Named after the satirical 18th Century caricaturist, James Gillray, Gillray’s also produces its own unique and inspired gin and vodka flavour combinations, infused in-house by the expert bar team. Gin tinctures enlivened with Adnam’s distilled spiced orange and rhubarb, No.3 with mandarin and cardamom, and Hendricks & Twinings Ritual English Breakfast Tea. Partnering with Chase vodka, guests can also enjoy Plum and Rosemary vodka infusions.
Photo by: Destinys Agent
