As part of its new collection of events being staged over the summer and Autumn to make the most of its glorious setting, Houghton Lodge Gardens, Test Valley, Hampshire, staged a special Afternoon Tea themed event called ‘A Botanical Affair’ on Saturday 17 August. Hampshire’s newest gin producer – The River Test Distillery – introduced its brand new signature Mayfly Gin and took guests on an intriguing journey from the area’s trademark chalk streams to the unique bottle design and the botanicals used to create. Guests also received a 5cl bottle to take home and had the chance to buy a bottle from the very first batch of the Mayfly Gin. Guests were treated to a delicious afternoon tea by food group Honesty, who manage the on-site tearooms. After indulging in sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones, the guests were able to stroll around the stunning formal and informal gardens and see for themselves the famous River Test. This event is part of the Houghton Lodge’s special Afternoon Tea series and is hosted in collaboration with The Honesty Group.
The River Test Distillery was inspired by the River Test’s famous fly fishing, gin-clear waters and abundant flora and fauna. The new Mayfly Gin is distilled in small batches and crafted using pure, chalk-filtered water which comes from the aquifer that feeds into the river, creating an exceptionally smooth gin. It is a classic London Dry with gently honeyed floral notes and infused with handpicked meadowsweet flowers – perfect with premium Indian tonic, a slice of lime and plenty of ice!
Other unique events making the most of Houghton Lodge and house and gardens (a beautiful example of a ‘cottage orné’), include September’s event, Afternoon Tea combined with a masterclass in making the perfect brew with tasting experts from award-winning British tea company Birchalls – The Art of Tea’ (2 Sept, 2-3.30pm, £25), an exclusive evening talk ‘The Queen Mother at the Castle of Mey’ with former equerry, Jeremy Mainwaring-Burton, when Jeremy will be providing guests with a highly entertaining account of what it was like to stay at the Castle of Mey as a guest of the Queen Mother (20 Sept, 6pm, £55 per person-to raise money for the restoration and conservation of this beautiful historic house and garden) and finally, Houghton Lodge’s ever popular Apple Day – a celebration of the apples that grow within the ancient heritage apple orchard, including an evening Wassailling Ceremony on Sunday 29th September (details to follow).
