Words: Berlyn Lee

4 Stars

Get transported back in time to the roaring 20s at The Summerhall Distillery this Fringe! Everyone was greeted by Chanel, a French-accented guide in period-appropriate attire. After giving her the super, secret password, she ushered us into a small (I mean very, very small) room where she spun stories of mobsters, bathtub gin, and a French scientist with a questionable history with monkeys. Of course, in between stories, she served drinks.

There were two gin based drinks, Al Capone’s favourite drink, The Southside Fizz, and The Monkey Gland named after the drink created in the famous Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Both beverages were served in gorgeous crystal antique-style stemmed glasses, had bright, stunning colour and strong, tantalizing taste.

While Chanel made the drinks, she would turn up the old-timey tunes and encourage everyone to chat or dance. The lights were low, but bright enough to see the great work that Pickering’s Gin has done to make this space really look like it belonged in the 1920s.

Hot tip, upon arriving, find the black Pickering’s Gin sandwich board in the Summerhall Courtyard (just outside the door), there will be someone there to scan your ticket, give you the secret password, and then point you in the right direction. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time, as you do not be late to the experience (you don’t want to miss the big reveal at the start)!

Summerhall Distillery: The Speakeasy Experience
Summerhall – Summerhall Distillery
19:00
Aug 18 – 26