Bankside Hotel’s Art Yard Bar & Kitchen brings a taste of the sustainable urban distillery to the South Bank with a series of summer pop-up events, including bespoke drinks terrace, tastings, packages and more.
Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with London’s renowned sustainable distillery, Jim & Tonic. This exciting collaboration kicks off with the launch of Art Yard’s Summer “Back Yard”: a creative and community-led pop-up event running from July until the end of August 2024. Located mere steps from the South Bank, this initiative offers locals a culturally enriched environment with live music, gourmet bites, and signature drinks.
Art Yard’s “Back Yard”: An Immersive and Community-led Drinks Pop Up
Reflecting a mutual commitment to sustainability and community engagement, Bankside Hotel has partnered with Jim & Tonic to transform the courtyard area outside its restaurant, Art Yard, into a vibrant hub for local workers and residents to enjoy after work throughout the summer. Jim & Tonic, founded in London in 2016, is celebrated for its sustainable production methods and award-winning spirits. The pop-up will feature a specially designed van serving an array of enticing signature drinks, including:
- Jim & Tonic: A classic gin and tonic made with Jim & Tonic’s Mercato Gin, flavoured with Italian herbs and garnished with rosemary and orange.
- Hugh Goes to Art Yard: A refreshing Hugo Spritz cocktail with Jim & Tonic’s London Dry Gin, elderflower liqueur, and sparkling wine, garnished with mint and cucumber.
- Back Yard RooBee: A delightful gin cocktail made with Jim & Tonic’s RooBee Gin, lemonade, and garnished with strawberries and mint.
- Honey Karma: A delicious alcohol-free cocktail blending the refreshing taste of Karma Lemonade with sweet local honey syrup, topped with soda for a crisp finish.
In addition to the drinks, guests can enjoy light bites from the hotel’s restaurant, Art Yard Bar & Kitchen, regular spirit tastings hosted by the Jim & Tonic team and informal acoustic performances reflecting the neighbourhood’s vibrant busking culture three nights a week (live music Tuesday to Thursday only). The hotel will also run an open house at the hotel’s Maker’s Studio, where guests can watch artists-in-residence at work from the Summer Square space.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Bankside Hotel and Jim & Tonic’s partnership is built on their shared commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Bankside Hotel passionately supports the SE1 community through local events, partnerships and sourcing, and champions sustainable hotel practices like a zero-to-landfill policy and rooftop beekeeping. These efforts align seamlessly with Jim & Tonic’s eco-friendly production methods, use of local ingredients, and minimal packaging to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Summer in the Square is all about celebrating both our dedication to sustainability and the vibrant community we serve,” said Philip Steiner, General Manager of Bankside Hotel. “We want to be the go-to spot for locals to unwind, connect, and enjoy their neighbourhood. Partnering with Jim & Tonic allows us to deepen our community ties and offer something truly special. We invite everyone to stop by, enjoy a drink, and meet their neighbours—we’re here to bring everyone together.”
“Being part of Summer in the Square, just seconds from the Thames, is an exciting time for us,” said Matt Warren, Director of Jim & Tonic. “Our journey from a small drinks van to an award-winning distillery has always been about connecting with Londoners and celebrating our city’s spirit. This partnership with Bankside Hotel is the perfect way to extend our reach and share our passion for great, sustainable drinks. We can’t wait to welcome guests and enjoy the summer together with our signature drinks created alongside the Bankside team.”
Beyond the Summer: J&T Room Upgrades and Year-Round Signature Drinks
Looking ahead to the autumn, Bankside is excited to launch its J&T room upgrades, further extending the collaboration. These upgrades will offer guests the opportunity to combine luxury accommodation with a pre-bookable in-room selection of Jim & Tonic’s finest spirits. Additionally, Jim & Tonic’s signature gin introduced during the summer will remain on the menu, ensuring guests can continue to enjoy Jim & Tonic year-round.
Art Yard’s Back Yard will be open from Monday to Friday, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm throughout July and August. Live Music performances Tuesday to Thursday. For more information, visit https://artyardbarandkitchen.com/backyard/