A round-up of Jubilee drinks events

This weekend there are a number of official events that celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee in London including the Thames River pageant, a concert at Buckingham Palace, Jubilee beacons and a service for thanksgiving.

On the following pages we take a look at some events that are under the radar and – most importantly – have a drinks twist.

Check out our Jubilee drinks special as well, which goes through all the new editions, packaging and brews that have been created for the occasion.

Pol Roger kicks off Jubilee weekend

Champagne Pol Roger is kicking off the jubilee weekend celebrations as official Champagne sponsor of the 2012 Investec Epsom Derby.

The derby on Saturday 2 June marks the first official event in the long weekend of Diamond Jubilee festivities, celebrating 60 years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

Company president Patrice Noyelle said, “It is a privilege to hold a Royal Warrant and, as a small family company, it is an even bigger honour to be part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.”

Champagne Pol Roger, Royal Warrant Holder, has a longstanding relationship with the Royal family as last year Pol Roger Brut Réserve was chosen to be served at the reception following the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace.

Queen’s Jubilee picnic 

Those lucky enough to attending the Queen’s Jubilee picnic at Buckingham Palace on Monday 4 June will be able to buy Cobra draught beer, Moët & Chandon Champagne and as bottles of water from Hildon.

Ten thousand people will attend the picnic and each one will get an individual hamper which has been designed by Heston Blumenthal.

Lord Bilimoria, founder and chairman of Cobra Beer, a joint-venture with Molson Coors, said: “It is a matter of great pride for all of us at Cobra to be the supplier of beer for The Queen’s Jubilee picnic and concert.”

The picnic menu is:

Starter

Chilled British Country Garden Soup

Main

Tea-smoked Scottish Salmon

Diamond Jubilee Chicken

Vegetarian option – Mushroom Parfait

Pudding

Sandringham Strawberry Crumble Crunch

Cakes

Lemon & Caraway Maderia cake

Chocolate indulgence cake

Cheeseboard

Jubilee Family Festival

Brand Phoenix has announced that its Etienne Dumont and FirstCape brands will be the exclusive Champagne and wine sponsors of the Jubilee Family Festival, taking place in Hyde Park on the 2 and 3 June.  The event which is being supported by Sainsburys, will see Etienne Dumont sampled by thousands.  In addition, FirstCape will be showcasing and sampling its range of full strength and lighter style wines.

FirstCape will also host the event’s only wine and Champagne bar, which is set to serve more than 20,000 drinkers.

Jo Riordan, spokeswoman for Brand Phoenix, said,  “We are thrilled to be a part of the Jubilee Family Festival. The Jubilee celebrations look set to be one of the biggest occasions of the past few years and as a sell-out event of 50,000 people a day that shop in Sainsbury’s, this is an excellent and unmissable opportunity to directly engage with consumers.

“Being the only Champagne and wine on offer at the Festival is great exposure.  We also hope to raise awareness of the lighter style market.”

Brand Phoenix will also be using the Festival as an opportunity to promote FirstCape’s sponsorship of the British and Irish Lions Tour 2013. 

Boujis club does Union Jack 

The Boujis club will celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a classically “British Right Royal Knees-Up”. To mark the occasion, the exclusive South Kensington members club will show a whole new look with a Union Jack vinyl, covering the exterior of the club and turning it into a stand alone landmark for the weekend and week prior to the celebrations.

In association with Chase vodka Boujis has transformed into a patriotic party venue, complete with bunting, iconic British props and fancy dress boxes. Scenes of Cool Britannia and projections of HRH Queen Elizabeth II from 1952 to present day.

Boujis will also be serving the exclusive Chase Jubilee cocktail. The majestic creation offers a blend of Chase vodka (the single estate iconic British brand), lemon juice, English strawberry conserve with lavender bitters and topped with English sparkling wine.

Harrods showcases designer crown collection 

Harrods has removed its iconic green canopies to make way for ornate, golden frames showcasing 31 crowns designed exclusively for Harrods by the world’s leading brands in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Drawing on inspiration from Harrods decorations for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953, the Knightsbridge store’s façade is lined with Union Flags and two 50-ft tall regal banners heralding the Queen’s Royal Cypher and St. Edwards Crown.

Harrods’ Store Image Director Mark Briggs said, “We are delighted to be flying the British flag in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years on the throne. Harrods is proud of its British heritage and working with a host of world-class brands is the perfect way for the store to celebrate this momentous occasion.” 

All things Union Jack can be found at the Harrods Loves London pop-up shop located in-store. Harrods.com is celebrating with a Best of British pop-up showcasing the myriad of British designers on offer as well as a selection of patriotic Harrods heritage products. Heathrow Airport is hosting Harrods third pop-up shop at Terminal 5 with a range of exclusive Harrods Jubilee commemorative items as well as special edition Jubilee keepsakes from brands including Halcyon Days, Spode, Royal Crown Derby and Wedgwood.

Bourne And Hollingsworth Diamond Jubilee Party

Sloanes Gin has partnered with Bourne And Hollingsworth for their Diamond Jubilee Party on Sunday 3 June in Bedford Square, W1.

The all-day event promises “English strawberries an cream, tabloid scandals and G&Ts”, with live music, games (egg & spoon ), great Sloane’s cocktails and the finest British grub. Tickets are only £15. www.hermajestysparty.com

 Heston Blumenthal pubs celebrate Jubilee 

Heston Blumenthal’s pubs, The Crown at Bray and the Hinds Head, in Bray celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with patriotic décor, special menus and outdoor festivities.

The Hinds Head is recreating the menu from a very special royal luncheon 49 years ago. On 23 April 1963, Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip hosted a luncheon in the private Royal Room of the pub. The 51-strong guest-list included Princess Anne, the King of Norway, the Queen of Denmark, the Queen of Sweden and other royals and dignitaries.

In honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, presiding Head Chef Kevin Love, inspired by the dishes served at the original luncheon, has created a modern interpretation of the menu, which will be available both lunch and dinner from 1 June until 5 June.

The 3 course special menu comprises Native Lobster with Dorset Crab, White Chocolate and Caviar and Saddle and Shoulder of Cornish Lamb with Black Pudding and Sweetbreads, followed by Treacle Tart.

Not to be left out of the celebrations, the bar team has created a Jubilee Champagne cocktail and dessert duo called Aureole and Pinza.

The Hinds Head’s sister pub, The Crown at Bray, is also joining in the festivities.  The pub will be serving a special Jubilee Ale called ‘Diamond Reign’, a deep golden ale, with a floral aroma and a clean fresh taste.

Head chef Nick Galer was inspired by Heston Blumenthal’s picnic menu created for Buckingham Palace and has created a Jubilee menu with light, summery dishes such as Chilled Tomato Soup, with Garden Mint Oil; Potted Tea Smoked Salmon; and Coronation Chicken Salad.  For dessert, there is the Jubilee Trifle which includes cream, fresh strawberries, crumble and rose water.

And if you plan to do the shopping this long weekend…Supermarket product round-up 

“There is something to make everyone smile, from special jubilee edition jars of our mate, ‘Ma’am ite’, a musical biscuit box and very special bottles of 60 year old whisky to chocolates, truffles, champagne and tea.” says Cesar Pereira, global director of product launch analytics at Datamonitor.

Unilever UK Ltd. has rebranded its Marmite Yeast Extract Spread in the UKto mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. For a limited time, this ‘most British of brands’ is available under the Ma’amite banner, the “ma’am”, of course, referring to the traditional way of addressing Her Majesty.  That’s ‘ma’am’ as in jam…but this is marmite, mate!  The product comes presented in a 250g glass jar stating: “toasting the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.”

For something to sip at the other end of the day, Gordon & MacPhail has extended its Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant range in the UK with a new 60 Year Old Queen’s DiamondJubilee Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The whisky is said to have been matured since 1952, the year the Queen began her reign and it comes presented in a crystal bottle on a “Harris Tweed” lined elm and silver box, which can only be opened by key. With 42.3% abv, the whisky is priced at £7,999.00.

The champagne-makers are also in a jubilant mood.  Moet & Chandon has launched The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, a new edition of Champagne in the United Kingdom to commemorate the event. Marketed under the Moet & Chandon banner, the champagne comes in a 75cl glass bottle for £33.49.

Fancy something sweet?  Famous British chocolate brand, Cadbury has launched a new chocolate bar to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee under the Cadbury’s Dairy Milk brand, which was the name of the brand at the time the Queen was crowned. The 400g bar is fair trade and comes in a specially designed 1952 heritage  wrapper for £3.54.

Tesco has launched a new Queen’s Diamond Jubilee inspired Cherries Jubilee Sundae Dessert.  The limited edition product features layers of vanilla and chocolate mousse along with a cherry compote and comes in individual servings for £1.25.

Other Jubilee-inspired launches include Jublilee Davidstow Cheddar Cheese, Jubilee Tabasco Sauce, Queen Green Olives, Jubliee Juice and a host of chocolate and biscuit products.