Enjoy a taste of French culture in London this summer with a little help from Tanqueray.
Let’s face it, the French really do have that je ne sais quoi about them that we Brits would just love to emulate. So, this summer why not actually give it a go and live your best French lifestyle in London? In honour of their brand-new Blackcurrant Royale gin, which is made with rich French blackcurrants and infused with vanilla notes, we’ve teamed up with Tanqueray to bring you a lineup of all the French things to do in London. Inspired by Charles Tanqueray’s travels to France in the 1840s, a taste of this gin will take you tastebuds on a journey across the channel without even having to hop on the Eurostar.
And if you’d like to immerse yourself even deeper into French culture, read on to discover how you can have a fabulous French day out…in London.
1. Breakfast with baked goods
Start your day the French way with some coffee and croissants at a lovely little patisserie. Try the Soho-based Maison Bertaux, the charming Laurents deli or boutique café Patisserie Sainte Anne for authentic pain au chocolat, croissants, éclairs and other freshly-baked fancies.
2. Surround yourself with French art
Wandering around art galleries with your bohemian friends? Trés French. You can find masterpieces by the likes of Cézanne, Seurat and Monet at the National Gallery. Or hit up The Courtauld Gallery, reopening later this year, in Somerset House to admire their collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. From Manet to Degas, you’ll find some iconic French artworks housed in this gorgeous gallery. And while we’re on the subject of art, let’s not forget that your beautifully illustrated bottle of Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale is a masterpiece in itself!
3. Catch a French flick at the cinema
Deep in South Kensington (the unofficial French Quarter of London) lies the Institut Français. Run by the French government to promote French language and culture in the city, they host all sorts of festivals, seminars and events to get you immersed in all things French. They also have a cinema on site, Ciné Lumière, where you can watch French movies in an art-deco setting. Be advised that post-film discussions with your friends are best enjoyed over a tasty Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale cocktail or two!
4. Dine like the French
The French are known for their fantastic food; so when you’re planning your French day out in London book yourself a table at one of these authentic spots. Islington’s La Petite Auberge is a rustic French dream, serving up the classics – Soupe aux Oignons, Confit de Canard, Tarte Tatin – you name it! Chez Antoinette is also an excellent choice for cosy French food in Covent Garden or Victoria. Meanwhile, Le Petit Citron in Hammersmith is a delicious homage to Provençal cooking. Pair your dinner with a Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale cocktail and your sumptuous taste of France will be complete – bon appétit!
5. Drink like the French
In order to drink like the French you’ll have to be able to whip up effortless cocktails that embody the unique and lavish character of France – this is when you bring out the decadent Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale gin. Combining the four botanicals of Tanqueray London Dry Gin blended with juicy blackcurrants from France, warm vanilla and the exotic floral notes of black orchid, Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale is perfect for every occasion. Create a crisp and refreshing tasting serve with tonic, ideal for garden parties and summer events, or mix up a more luxurious serve with a splash of Champagne in a French 75. Santé!
Here’s the recipe for the perfect Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale & Tonic:
You’ll need:
● 50ml Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale
● 150ml premium tonic water
● Garnish with fresh blackcurrants / blackberries and lemon
Method:
Fill a copa glass with ice, pour in your Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale, follow with the premium tonic water and stir. Garnish with a handful of dark berries and a wedge of lemon.
(2.1 units of alcohol per serve)
And for a more decadent choice, try a Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale French 75:
You’ll need:
● 50ml Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale
● 30ml lemon juice
● 15ml sugar syrup
● 50ml Champagne
● Garnish with lemon peel
Method:
Add Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale, lemon juice and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a coupette glass, top with Champagne and garnish with twisted lemon peel.
(2.7 units of alcohol per serve)
6. Jazz up your evening with a show
If you wish you were down at the Moulin Rouge, find the next best thing in the form of French cabaret Soirée Pompette. This variety night in Exmouth Market has live performances, bingo and a bar – and everything is in French! Or, if you’re looking for something a little more mainstream, you can’t beat the theatre experience of Les Misérables. And if you’d like a pre-show drink? A Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale & Tonic is the perfect choice.
7. Bring a taste of France home with Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale x Galvin
If you don’t fancy a night out just yet, or just want to treat yourself at home you can enjoy the ultimate French dining experience with a Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale x Galvin Restokit. You’ll get a pre-prepared meal kit including Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale from Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin La Chapelle, delivered to your home, alongside easy instructions on how to heat, assemble and finish the dishes in your own kitchen! Menus change weekly and are all curated by Chef Patron Jeff Galvin to showcase the best in modern, French cuisine.
Serve your restaurant-worthy dinner with a delicious Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale cocktail for the perfect marriage of flavours. “Chateaubriand and Cornish lamb feature on our upcoming menus, which are complemented beautifully by sweet summer berries such as the blackcurrant found in Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale,” explains Stephen Nesbitt, the Head Sommelier at Galvin. So, for a taste of elevated French fine dining in the comfort of your own home, order your Tanqueray x Galvin Restokit from May 17 onwards. They’re perfect for date night at home, a fancy dinner in your garden, or as a luxurious treat for yourself!
Covid-19 health and safety measures and social distancing will be in place at each venue, and some venues will only be opening from May 17. Please drink responsibly, for the facts visit drinkaware.co.uk. Please do not forward to those under the legal purchase age for alcohol.