An Evening with Fentimans

Where the gin market has blossomed these past few years, the latter and equally important half of a G&T has been made to catch up with the former's success. Premium spirits have opened the floor to premium mixers, and the family-owned Fentimans is just one many brands changing the way we enjoy a tipple. Last month, I was invited to The Botanist in Broadgate Circle to sample two of Fentimans' new mixers, along with their existing - and surprisingly extensive - range of soft drinks, together with a comprehensive menu of delectable cocktails.

The two new mixers to feature in the Fentimans repertoire are Mediterannean Orange Tonic Water, which - as one might expect - provides a burst of orange citrus, and the aptly named Connoisseurs Tonic Water, which is a softer alternative to its Premium Indian Tonic Water. The refined recipe gives greater attention to the high quality spirit it's mixed with, thereby allowing the flavours of the gin to shine through.

Other members of the Fentimans soft drink family, samples of which I eagerly lapped up during the evening, include Ginger Beer & Muddled Lime, Rose Lemonade and Pink Grapefruit Tonic Water. On top of these are the newly released House of Broughton natural syrups, which comprise an essential component to many cocktails, or can simply provide sweetness and additional flavour to prosecco or a G&T.

Ryan & Phil, Barbican Centre

Tazz Gault, The Royal Exchange

I often wonder why Tazz isn't a style blogger too. Whenever we go out, whether for a fashion event, the theatre, or after-work drinks, she's a consistently better dresser. This photo was taken on the front steps of the Royal Exchange, shortly after attending the Hawes & Curtis store launch on Old Broad Street. Tazz is wearing Dune shoes, a Topshop skirt and leather jacket, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag.

Business call, The Royal Exchange

Tesi works as a security supervisor in Guildford, but he aspires to be a professional model. He wears Jimmy Choo loafers, Reiss trousers, Tom Ford belt, Thomas Pink shirt, and a Cedarwood State jacket.

Paired in purple & pink, London Bridge

Intentionally or unwittingly, Roz and Sara have styled themselves in complementary fashion. Roz (left), a fine art publisher, wears Next shoes, an Accessorize bag, Long Tall Sally coat, and a J Crew scarf. Sara (right), an activity co-ordinator for the Alzheimer's Society, wears Forever 21 boots, an ASOS coat, and a Matalan shirt.

Monument, London

Aston, art student at West London College, wears New Look shoes, H&M socks,
skirt and bag from eBay, vintage polo neck top, and her Nan's cardigan.