Voyages Extraordinaires At Gothic Bar
Just steps away from the British library is the Voyages Extraordinaires brought to you by Camus. An idealistic setting for a bibliophile to explore the novels of Jules Verne via three meticulously crafted cocktails.
This new cocktail menu is created by bar manager Jack Porter and inspired by Jules Vernes’ collection of books. Known as the ‘father of science fiction’, the 19th century French novelist’s works include ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’, ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’ and ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’.
Verne’s sequence of fifty-four novels published between 1863 and 1905 are known as Voyages Extraordinaires (literally Extraordinary Voyages) hence the name of this experience. At the same time as Verne’s books were being published 160 years ago, Camus Cognac began their family-owned luxury cognac brand. In Voyages Extraordinaires they pay homage to both French literature and Camus heritage. Three Camus cognac’s are used it the three cocktails available as part of Voyages Extraordinaires: VSOP, VSOP Borderies, and Ile de Ré.
‘Five Weeks in a Balloon’ cocktail showcases ingredients found in parts of Africa, the continent explored in the novel of the same name. It’s made with Camus VSOP, ginger liqueur, Banana Eau de Vie and Oloroso Sherry and has a woody, topical and floral character. Although the description says it has a scented smoke balloon that sits on top of the drink and when popped it spreads ginger across the glass, ours arrived without the balloon. This may have been due to a delay with our drinks. This was very easy to sip whilst chatting.
‘Journey to the Centre Earth’ comprises Camus Borderies VSOP, Lutee aperitif, Roots and Spices liqueur, citrus mix, and London Essence Tonic Water. Borderies VSOP has aromas of vanilla pods, orange zest and soft floral notes, resting an earthy but floral flavour. It’s a bright orange colour which, along with the tall ice cube that has drilled in red syrup, reminds us of the lava in the story. It’s more bubbly than expected and has an after taste that lingered. It was my least favourite of the three. I received this book in the gift bag at the launch, and when I’m reading it I will think back to the experience of these cocktails.
Now we venture to ‘20,000 leagues under the sea’. This features Camus Ile de Re, Falernum, pickled dulse, oyster tincture and cucumber. I’m not an oyster lover so wondered about trying this for a while before taking the plunge. I did not like the first few sips due to the flavours of seaweed, oyster and salinity; but it grew on me over the course of the evening. It has the best presentation- oyster shells are frozen before ring filled with layered ice and micro plants giving the perception of an aquatic scene. As Camus Ile de Re is created on the island of Ile de Re, home to France’s westernmost vineyards, it’s fitting to pair this maritime and French heritage. An unusual cocktail but one adventurers may like to try.
Gothic Bar in the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is so named due to the building’s Gothic Revival style. You definately feel as if you have been transported back in time with to the plush comfy seating and an ornate painted ceiling. Gothic Bar will take part in London Cocktail Week with Camus, when a cocktail from the menu and cognac masterclass will take place. Voyages Extraordinaire runs 9th September to 30 November 2024. Open Monday 5pm – 11pm Tuesday to Thursday 12pm – 12am, Friday to Saturday 12pm – 1am, and Sunday 12pm – 6pm.
Address: Gothic Bar, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW12AR
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7341 3000
For Camus
https://www.instagram.com/camuscognac
https://www.instagram.com/gothic_bar
https://www.instagram.com/poured.by.porter
Written by Caitlin Neal
