New Gin and Tonic Menu at The Polo Bar at The Westburytikichris

An invitation to sample a newly launched gin and tonic menu at The Polo Bar at The Westbury Hotel presented an excellent opportunity to discover a fine place to have a drink.

Created by Tanqueray mixologist Tim Homewood and Polo Bar manager Elias Yiallouris, the new G&Ts are part of a “Botanical Brew Experience” collaboration between Tangueray No. TEN gin and Fever-Tree tonic water. All feature the quadruple distilled gin and the premium tonic along with an intriguing array of fresh ingredients.

Here’s a look at the menu:

· Blue Lady Tea and Grapefruit Peel served with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic – the exotic floral and citrus notes of Blue Lady Tea are lifted with zesty Grapefruit Peel, a refreshing thirst-quencher;

· Fennel and star anise seed served with Fever-Tree Classic – native to China, the liquorice aromas of Star Anise combine with the sweet, warm flavours of Fennel Seed for an oriental twist;

· Blackberry and hibiscus tea and lemon peel served with Fever-Tree Lemon Tonic – Cleopatra’s drink of choice, ruby red Hibiscus tea is paired with fruity blackberries for a divine blend of sweet and sour;

· Cinnamon, clove and vanilla served with Fever-Tree Classic – warming and uplifting, the soft, creamy flavours of vanilla are spiced up with aromatic cloves and cinnamon;

· Rosebuds served with Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic – reminiscent of an English garden on a summer’s day, the delicate notes of rose are given a rich, dry edge with the addition of elderflower essence;

· Pink pepper and orange peel served with Fever-Tree Classic – the kick of spiced pink pepper is sweetened with a citrus orange peel, and garnished with an orange twist.

I was pleased to be invited to the bar for a tasting and did my best to work my way through this drinks list (“tough job but …” right?) and especially liked that cinnamon and clove number and thought the pepper and orange peel mix to be a particularly fantastic ensemble. Priced at £15 each, all were refreshing and worth a taste.

New cocktails or not, I found The Polo Bar to be an exceptional venue for quality sips. Bar snacks were ace (loved the foie gras and the panko crusted prawns!) and service was delightful and prompt. Upscale and low key, the bar is conveniently centred between Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus stations yet removed just enough from the fray to allow for decompression. With Art Deco inspired designer interiors with Swarovski and Fendi details, it’s a swish spot to keep in mind whether you’re mingling to impress or simply hoping to unwind in high style.

And this just in … another reason to drop in for a drinky drink … earlier this month The Polo Bar won Best Mixology at the 2014 London Club and Bar Awards.

The Polo Bar is located at The Westbury Hotel at the entrance at 37 Conduit Street, W1S 2YF. Find out more at westburymayfair.com/restaurant_5-en.html.