The Shangri-La hotel’s GŎNG bar takes on a totally tropical taste with Venezuelan Diplomático rum and Amazon-influenced Canaïma gin
In London, we love our pop-up summer rooftop bars – of course we do… who doesn’t enjoy a drink in the open air with a great view of the cityscape? But what do we do when meteorology (known in advertising speak as The Great British Weather) does not play ball?
The perfect summer serve: Diplomático rum
GŎNG, the bar on the 52nd floor of The Shard with its own swimming pool, is to be transformed into the upper canopy of a rainforest, with a veritable Amazon of greenery until September. The lush foliage is not the only touch of South America featuring in the Tropical Oasis – the pop-up is sponsored by Diplomático and the Venezuelan rum’s sister brand, Canaïma gin. The latter’s botanical recipe uses 10 ingredients sourced (responsibly, it’s important to add) from the Amazon rainforest, part of which is in Venezuela.
DUSA (Destilerías Unidas) contributes 10 per cent of its Canaïma sales to Fundación Tierra Viva and Saving the Amazon, NGOs dedicated to protecting the Amazon and its people, and a portion of sales from the Tropical Oasis cocktail menu will benefit those charities.
Canaïma gin uses 10 ingredients sourced responsibly from the Amazon rainforest
The list includes a cocktail created in partnership with award-winning bartender Simone Caporale. The former Artesian head drink-mixer will also host an evening showcasing some of his signature cocktails on 25 July, followed by a DJ set from Dave Delgado (another South American link, as he is Colombian. Guests will need to book).
One non-Latin American addition this summer to GŎNG is a new live sushi-making station. Apparently new chef Soe-san (ex-George Club and Nobu Hotel) will be encouraged to interact with customers, teach guests about sushi traditions and suggest flavour pairings. Whether those suggestions extend to sushi and rum remains to be seen.
