To celebrate the launch of Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens at London’s National Portrait Gallery, The Portrait Restaurant, led by celebrity chef Richard Corrigan, has crafted a special set of drinks to honour the legacy of the Tudors.
From Katherine of Aragon, who unintentionally set in motion the English Reformation, to Catherine Parr, who reconciled the King with his two daughters, Mary (the future “Bloody Mary,” aka Mary I) and Elizabeth (the future Elizabeth I), each cocktail takes you on a journey through these historical figures’ checkered pasts.
Tudor twist
It took the mixologists of the Portrait Restaurant more than a month to create the recipes that combine taste and heritage of every wife. For example, the “French 35” or Anne Boleyn cocktail is made with Grey Goose Vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and Champagne. As you might guess, this drink celebrates Boleyn’s French roots.
“The King’s Sister,” or Anne of Cleves, is crafted from Riesling, apples, cherries, and sparkling wine, combining Anne’s German heritage with a nod to her reputed looks, offering a new twist to her legacy.
Taste of history
The limited-edition menu not only lists the ingredients of the cocktails but also provides a brief history of each queen. This is how we discovered that Jane Seymour was the only wife to receive a Queen’s Funeral. The “Heart of Stone” cocktail, dedicated to Jane Seymour, is a delightful mix of apple and saffron cordial, alcohol-free sparkling wine, and Everleaf Forest aperitif with saffron, vanilla, and orange blossom. It’s especially appealing if you’re a fan of mocktails.
To further immerse guests in the history, each drink is served with an exclusive coaster featuring artwork from the exhibition that represents each of Henry VIII’s wives. Guests of the restaurant are welcome to take coasters with Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard or Kateryn Parr back home as a memento.
You can even book the Portrait Restaurant Royal Refreshment package which includes both the ticket to the exhibition and the exclusive drinks.
Savour the experience
Don’t pass on the accompanying snacks to fully enjoy the experience. The selection of posh nibbles include Crispy Goat’s Cheese with Green Olive, Thai Style Pickled Melon with Parma Ham, Bruschetta and other delicious options.
With views overlooking Trafalgar Square and the rest of the city, The Portrait Restaurant is the perfect setting before a visit to the gallery or as a comfortable space to reflect on your art experience post-exhibit.
More information about the Six Lives menu and the The Portrait Restaurant can be found here.
Image credits: © The Portrait Restaurant
