BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® celebrates a new chapter in its long-term partnership with the Royal Albert Hall, unveiling a dazzling blue bar that invites guests to linger over a drink and soak in the energy of one of the most pres5gious concert halls in the world.
Both the bar design and new cocktail recipe draw inspiration from a precious item close to home for the Royal Albert Hall – Queen Victoria’s sapphire brooch, gifted to her by Prince Albert on the eve of their wedding as her “something blue” and a timeless emblem of his love. The new bar immerses guests in the world of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE through its iconic hue, with a new signature serve on offer for elevated sipping before and during a show.
At the heart of the collaboration lies a specially curated cocktail menu featuring ‘The Jewel’, which has been crafted solely for the Royal Albert Hall. This exquisite drink blends BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin, MARTINI Rosso Vermouth and bitter lemon, and is finished with lemon and orange – offering a vibrant, citrus-forward taste that asks to be savoured as guests immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. Visitors can enjoy ‘The Jewel’, alongside other BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktails such as the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE & Tonic, Negroni and Classic Gin Martini cocktail.
This partnership between two iconic British brands also reflects a shared commitment to sustainability. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is crafted using ten botanicals from sustainably certified suppliers, and its Laverstoke Mill distillery – designed by globally celebrated designer Thomas Heatherwick – is recognised as a landmark of sustainable design with an “Outstanding” BREEAM rating. The distillery recycles or repurposes more than 99% of its waste, and in 2023 became the first UK distillery to receive Wildlife Habitat Council certification for its conservation of local wildlife and the River Test. Since 2016, the Hall has reduced their carbon emissions by 45 per cent, with the aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, aligning with Westminster City Council’s (WCC) target, and launched a 5-year Carbon Strategy in 2023.
The Hall has also developed a ‘Green Rider’ setting out expectations for promoters and artists on how they can support the Hall’s ambitions in reducing carbon emissions, such as encouraging external promoters to use the in-house PA and lights (which reduces the number of lorries travelling to and from the venue), to bring cups or bottles to refill from coolers, and to offer meat-free and plant-based meal options.
“This exciting new chapter in our longstanding partnership with the Royal Albert Hall marks an important milestone in our Step Into The Blue journey,” said Natasha Curtin, Global Vice President of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE. “In bringing together two iconic British brands within this world-famous venue, we have created a guest experience that invites audiences to fully immerse themselves in the moment — enjoying exceptional performances, striking surroundings and a signature BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktail.”