THE SCENE: Tanqueray Gin set up this tea light lounge in Indian restaurant, Carom,to celebrate Diwali, the festival of light. It’s carrying on through until February, which is lucky for us as it’s the perfect spot to cosy up on a winter’s eve.
As the name suggests, the space is lit by the gentle glow of tea lights, while the decor has that lovely vintage, rustic feel, with crates recycled as shelves and dainty tea cups, jam jars, wired bird cages and browned world maps decorating the walls. Settling down in a cubby-holed sofa, it’s the ideal spot for a drink for two.
BEHIND THE BAR: Created by Tanqueray Gin, you can bet your tonic and lime that the cocktails here are something special, and you’d be right. We sampled the Ginger Chilli Tipple, with the namesake ingredients muddled with Tanqueray, lemon, orange and cranberry. Served hot or cold, it’s deliciously warming. Also,the Royal Potion is perfect at this time of year: a twist on mulled wine, it’s served in a hammered metal cup with a ladle handle. For something creamy, the Tea Alexander with cinnamon, nutmeg milk, double cream, Tanqueray and spices is served in a mini-milk bottle and is sweet without being sickly.
THE GRUB: Enjoy a mixed platter of Indian favourites: the tandoor chicken, lamb and prawns are easy on the heat, but full on the flavour.
BILL PLEASE: Cocktails average at £7.95, platters from £17.95.
VERDICT: A lovely spot to head for a quiet drink or some pre-dinner cocktails.
Visit the Tea Light Lounge website here.
