Guests were transported to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties on Saturday evening as Gurds Menswear transformed into The Tailor’s Speakeasy for the launch of Sea Centaur Martini Gin, the latest award-winning spirit from Somerset distiller Becky Wright of Dryad Gin.
For one night only, the historic menswear shop became an intimate hidden cocktail bar, where guests enjoyed Sea Centaur Martinis, learnt the art of the perfect martini, and discovered the story behind a gin inspired by Somerset’s ancient submerged forests and coastal folklore.
The evening was hosted in partnership with Sarah Farnfield, fourth-generation owner of Gurds Menswear, bringing together two independent Somerset businesses to celebrate craftsmanship, storytelling and local heritage.
Guests were welcomed with a Sea Centaur Martini served in commemorative Nick & Nora glasses before enjoying a martini masterclass led by Anthony Brimacombe, co-founder of Martini Club UK and a judge for The Gin Guide Awards. Anthony also worked alongside Becky in selecting the vermouth that perfectly complements Sea Centaur Martini Gin.
Sea Centaur has already received national recognition, winning two Gold Awards at this year’s Gin Guide Awards, including Gold in the Coastal Gin category and a Bronze in the best Martini Category.
Speaking after the event, Becky Wright said: “Creating Dryad Gin has always been about telling stories through spirits. To launch Sea Centaur in such an iconic Taunton business, surrounded by friends, supporters and people who have encouraged us from the beginning, made for a truly magical evening. It was wonderful to celebrate two independent local businesses together while bringing a little 1920s glamour to the town.”
The evening also celebrated the continuing collaboration between local independent businesses, with guests invited to discover the history of Gurds Menswear while enjoying handcrafted Somerset gin inspired by the landscapes and folklore of the county.
Following the success of the launch, Dryad Gin has hinted that The Tailor’s Speakeasy may return, although organisers say any future gatherings remain “strictly hush-hush, you will need to drop into Gurds Menswear to find out more.
For more information about Dryad Gin, visit www.dryadgin.co.uk and follow on Instagram.
Images by Aisling Magill Photography
