New London gin pop-up features ‘adult story time’

A gin brand is launching a pop-up in London next month dedicated to the life of its founder’s father Paul Raymond, a property developer, club owner and publisher of porn magazines dubbed the “King of Soho” by the press.

The aptly-named King of Soho Gin was launched in London in 2013 by Howard Raymond and recently unveiled a pink gin flavoured with strawberry.

Beginning on the 14 November, the brand is to host a pop-up in Soho at 21 Great Windmill Street – believed to be Paul Raymond’s first property purchase in the area.

Running for six weeks, the venue will be decked out with a leopard print throne and “vibrant décor” and will serve gin cocktails, small plates and desserts as well as live entertainment.

On Friday nights during the brand’s residence there will be live comedy performances, burlesque dancing, music and “adult story time”.

The brand’s UK gin ambassador, Jamie Stephenson, will also be hosting “experiential gin masterclasses” to celebrate King of Soho’s fifth anniversary.

Among the cocktails on offer will be The Paul, a sip dedicated to Paul Raymond and featuring The King of Soho London Dry Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and a “fruit red wine float”. Other drinks include Soho 21 (The King of Soho Variorum Gin, strawberry purée, lemon juice, sugar syrup and English sparkling wine), White Negroni (The King of Soho London Dry Gin, Suze and white Vermouth) and The Windmill (The King of Soho Variorum Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, crushed raspberries and black pepper).

The brand is also teaming up with tonic water producer Schweppes and will feature its cucumber and original tonic from its 1783 range.

Ashley James, who has worked for chefs Robert and Tom Aikens, will be serving up small plates, including southern fried chicken bites and Cornish caviar and gin and tonic truffles, as well as a hot apple gin toddy.

The venue will be open from 4pm to 10pm on Wednesday through to Saturday with all drinks priced at £10.