Sake no Hana is part of the prestigious Hakkasan restaurant group serving Japanese cuisine. I went along to the St James’ restaurant bar for an expert lesson in gin and cocktail execution.

Hendrick’s gin ambassador, Duncan McRae, gave an animated and passionate speech about this favourite gin brand, the history of the spirit and its important influence on Britain’s drinking culture.

Among the facts, he imparted several anecdotes and quotes including Kerouac’s insightful: “Take more from the drink than the drink takes from you.”

As I tasted the cucumber flavoured Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic, I smiled remembering that “drinking is merely a pause from thinking.” An hour later we had been presented with a further three cocktail tasters, each more delicious than the last. Finger food was provided to satisfy our stomachs while our taste buds were hard at work enjoying the cocktail concoctions.

After this intriguing gin lesson I certainly have a new-found interest and fondness for London’s most famous spirit.

More information on Sake no Hana here, and details for the cocktail classes here.