Gin Festival set to lift spirits in Derby

Gin lovers from across Derby will be getting into the spirit of things today, with an exclusive gin festival aimed at celebrating the rich history of the drink.

The free one-day event will be hosted by Seven Bar & Restaurant, on Pride Park, from midday.

Gin-mixing expert Bruno Gaspar will be hosting demonstrations on the best mixers, alongside talks on this summer’s finest fruit fusions.

Managing director of Seven, Helen Salloway said: “We are so thrilled to be hosting the Gin Garden event at Seven. The emergence of new-style gins and premium mixers has increased in the past few years ,and we are delighted to be able to celebrate its newly gained popularity with our clients.

“Gin cocktails are hugely popular again. As well as the new and unique offerings from mixologists, the old gin cocktail classics like the Gin Fizz have gone through a major resurgence.”

The festival invites everyone from gin connoisseurs to complete beginners to celebrate one of the nation’s most popular tipples from a selection of over 15 types of gin.

Gin enthusiast Ellie Edwards said: “I love gin because there are so many different independent producers out there all putting their own spin on it, and using different botanicals giving each one a different flavour.”

Last year alone, British drinkers consumed around the equivalent of 1.12 billion G&Ts, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Seven customer, Julian Sheppard (42) said: “I really enjoy tasting new gins and garnish combinations. People think that it is just a case of adding a gin, tonic and a slice of lemon, but the really tasty ones are unique.

“Peppercorn and grapefruit is one of my favourite garnishes. I am really looking forward to trying new flavours at Seven Bar & Restaurant.”