When the eyes of the world are on our famous Causeway Coast and Glens as the world’s elite golfers compete at the 148th Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Symphonia Gin is London bound as one of the chosen products from Northern Ireland to be served at one of the most prestigious garden parties
NORTHERN Ireland was recently crowned World’s Best Food Destination 2019 and this weekend, Symphonia Gin, alongside other amazing products from the region, will be served at the Royal College of Arts’ Summer Pleasure Garden 2019 party which takes place in Piccadilly.
The party, which is being catered for by Chef Will Brown from the Schoolhouse in Comber, and Indie Füde, will take place in the heart of Piccadilly and will allow guests to experience a magical summer’s night in the colleges’ re-imagined pleasure garden which is inspired by the fantasylands of Georgian London.
Described as a real ‘coup’ by Johnny McDowell of Indie Füde, this party is one which will certainly put our food and drink on the map yet again. The magical summer’s night festival will include spectacular light shows, illuminated dance floors, secret bars, art installations, live music and DJs and of course a spread of Northern Ireland food and drink which is guaranteed to leave the expected 3,000 revellers more than impressed.
Speaking to us about RA Lates: Summer Pleasure Garden 2019 party, Johnny said: “We have branded the party Wëëker which is a high-end street food concept developed by Will and myself. It will feature some amazing ingredients from our producers and we have of course chosen Symphonia to be one of four selected gins to come across with us.
“I met Ulrich a few months ago. I love the story behind the Symphonia brand, so, when Robert Neill, from Neill Wines, described the Symphonia range as ‘one of the most premium gins in Europe’ it was a no-brainer to bring Symphonia to London. Neill talks very highly about Symphonia and he’s a man who knows his stuff. He’s a great advocate of the Symphonia gin range.
“There are two main reasons for choosing Symphonia – number one is that it is distilled here in Northern Ireland and celebrates the Irish countryside, and, number two, it is a high quality product. When you have both, you’re on a winner.
“Will held a summer supper club not so long ago and we served up Symphonia’s Fruit Cup. It was a perfect summer cup and our guests at Indie Füde just loved it and we loved telling the story behind it.
“The Apple Gin is fantastic. It’s so unique. The range has been at London Borough Market and Ulrich got great feedback. I’ve no doubt it will get the same feedback from this prestigious event.
“RA Lates: Summer Pleasure Garden 2019 is a real coup for us. It’s Northern Ireland’s turn to host it and we are delighted to have been asked to manage the catering. It’s very exciting and we are very proud to bring all of the products across with us. Not only that, but we are bringing staff over from Northern Ireland. The whole event will showcase what we have to offer.”
The Wëëker menu will include six native Irish Lecale Oysters served on ice with red shallot vinegar, a slice of lemon and Yardsman Wheaten Bread, Basil-injected Burrata, accompanied by summer confit Tomato and grilled Sourdough Toast, Strangford Crab Roll with pickled cucumber, crispy Dulse Chips and Trout Caviar, Broughgammon Cabrito Kofta’s with Beetroot Slaw, Sumac spiced Yogurt and Pita Bread, Slow-Rise Doughnuts with Irish Strawberry and foraged Meadowsweet and a Trio of Irish cheeses served with Gin Chutney and Fennel Crisp Breads with the extra option of an Irish Charcuterie Platter.
These menus feature products from Broughgammon Farm, East Coast Seafood, Frazer’s Farm, Clandeboye Yogurt, Lecale Harvest, Ispini Charcuterie, Ballylisk of Armagh, Mike’s Fancy Cheese, Dart Mountain Cheese, Peninsula Kelp Co, Ken’s Raw Jersey Milk, Cavanagh Eggs, French Village, Bullhouse Brewery, Lacada Brewery, Symphonia Gin, Shortcross Gin, Belfast Artisan Gin, Boatyard Spirits, Copeland Gin and Kilmegan Cider.
Indie Füde is also working with Steve’s Pallet Creations, Greenman Packaging , Artist Andy Laird, Motis Logistics, Comber Farmers Market, Food NI, Oranga Design, Minuteman Press and Tribal Clothing – all Northern Ireland companies.
These guys will bring across an oyster bar from Lecale Harvest, a Gelato Bar from Licked and a drinks bar from Neill Wine. There will be a fully compostable dining option, supported by Green Man in Bangor.
Johnny added: “Wëëker is also partnering with Mencap NI. We promote local and Mencap NI is a local charity which is close to the hearts of both our lead chef, Will Brown and Indie Füde. We are so excited by this prestigious event and believe we can bring a sense of pride, for not only the producers from Northern Ireland, but for all the people of Northern Ireland.
“I am thrilled Symphonia is part of this and we will be working with Ulrich in the future. An event to keep an eye on is the Indie Füde October Supper Club which takes place on October 4, 5 and 6th.”
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- Symphonia is a range of handcrafted Irish spirits celebrating produce grown in the Irish countryside. The sophisticated Dry Gin is of exquisite complexity. The crisp Apple Gin is made using Co Armagh Bramley Apples and the Fruit Cup is a delicious summer fruit spirit drink. Symphonia is distilled at The Woodlab Distillery by Dr Ulrich Dyer who uses cold distillation to preserve flavours which are lost during traditional distillation.
- For interview requests or further information contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 07709805379|