First gin drink you ever drank?

Pink Gin. What a night that was, playing Pool till 3am in the first ever pub I worked in. A chap called Mike was taking all my money on the table whilst I was dashing away on the Angostura Bitters. With Gordon’s on optic and no ice, of course, yummy warm bitter gin. I’ve recently rekindled my love for the cocktail made with a bit (a lot) more finesse.

First gin cocktail you ever made?

I’ll say I wasn’t aware of the cocktail scene whilst I was dashing what looked like the oldest bottle of Ango in the world into a gin (this was 9 years ago in rural Dorset). So taking that aside I worked in a shocking bar in Guildford called Backline when I was 19, (it was a flair bar - I can not flair) but the first cocktails I ever made were in there. My first gin cocktail must have been a Bramble, Tanq 10 and Chambord - classy and incredibly wrong. Noisia headlined that night, if you know, not many cocktails were served that night.

Favourite gin cocktail at 7pm?

I love sour stuff so it has to be a classic cocktail called ‘Gin Rickey’. Mixing Gin, Lime Juice and Soda. It’s basically a Collins with lime juice instead of lemon juice. I’ll have a nice measure of Mahon Xoriguer Gin in there, big citrus flavours, massive amounts of juniper and only 38% ABV as well so the night can go on a bit longer!

Favourite gin cocktail at 10pm?

Danger zone, I tend to stay on classics when I’m out so it would be the Hanky Panky. Gin, Sweet Vermouth and a dash of Fernet Branca. Balance these liquids nicely (for me 6:6:1) and you’re on to a big bold sweet sipper.

Favourite bar in the world?

I’m a massive foodie so taking them both into consideration I would say El Distillado in Oaxaca, Mexico. I still dream of the dishes I had there. The drinks are inspired by agave and complimented the Tequila perfectly! The service there is seriously good as well. We were met by the owners who came from Cali as experienced chefs and bartenders to open it up, they’ve got that West Coast experience under their belts.

If just for drinks, it’s the bar I currently reside in, Worship Street Whistling Shop. I love the approach we take to drink, casual and delicious with a solid backbone of science behind every drink on the menu, but also without the pretentiousness. Plus the decor is delightful, inspired by Victorian Gin Palaces (aka Whistling Shops - see what they did there) it’s coated in candles, low sofas and bar stools, she is a comfy one.