With the onset of spring, there’s only one way to get into the swing of things – embrace the joy of jazz.
For one night only, St James Bar in the five-star Sofitel London St James will be welcoming Belfast’s legendary – and only – dedicated jazz bar, Berts in The Merchant Hotel, for an exclusive guest takeover in partnership with award- winning Irish distillery, The Boatyard Distillery.
On Tuesday 22nd March 2022, guests will have the opportunity to sip cocktails inspired by the jazz capitals of the world against a backdrop of the Art Deco glamour of 1930s New York, with its sumptuous décor and sultry live music.
Mark O’Neill, Berts’ GM and the brains behind these delectable signature serves, has worked closely with Ciarán Shannon at The Boatyard Distillery, situated on the banks of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, to artfully utilise their lauded range of gins and vodka to create a range of sumptuous serves for this exclusive event.
Berts Jazz Bar has devised a unique menu that will feature four deftly designed cocktails, each evoking the spirit of the jazz age. The classic Martinez, made with Boatyard Old Tom, Sweet Vermouth, Maraschino and Dry Curaçao, the One and Only with Boatyard Double Gin, Lemon, Double Cream and Vanilla Syrup, the iconic French 75 features Boatyard Sloe Boat, Maraschino, Creme d’Abricot and Champagne, and the Joan Collins blends Boatyard Vodka, Dry Vermouth, Basil, Pear, Lemon, Verjus and Soda.
These libations manifest the essence of Berts Jazz Bar, reflecting the colourful and quixotic nature of the jazz age. Each cocktail encapsulates the juxtaposition of the sophisticated with the raucous, the flamboyant with the subdued, whilst nodding to the elegant and spirited nature of St James Bar – with its plush velvet seating, brass accents and opulent jewelled shades, it could itself be lifted straight out of a 1930s New York speakeasy.
Kostas Bardas, Bar Manager of St James Bar, says: “I am super excited having Bert’s Jazz Bar team in our bar, creating some of their amazing signature cocktails and giving the opportunity to our guests to try one of the finest bars in Belfast.”
So, don your pin stripes and your feather boas, we’ll see you back in the gilded age of jazz!
Berts Jazz Bar Pop-Up at St James Bar is on Tuesday 22nd March 2022 from 5pm – 10pm. For information on Berts Jazz Bar, please visit www.themerchanthotel.com. For more information about St James Bar, please visit www.wildhoneystjames.co.uk. Finally, for more information about Boatyard Distillery, including ideas for cocktails, please visit www.boatyarddistillery.com.
