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| Her Majesty leaving St Paul's Cathedral |
An epidemic of patriotic fever swept over London for the
Diamond Jubilee weekend that I had never before witnessed. The crowds
were huge and, at times, you couldn’t move, but the camaraderie I experienced as I joined the throng was a rich and
rewarding experience. I felt so proud to be British.
You will all have your own personal memories of the weekend.
I thought mine was going to be the flotilla, as I live by the Thames and love
boats and water. But, it actually was getting a wave from the Queen herself.
I had gone to St Paul’s Cathedral to soak up the atmosphere
and as Her Majesty was leaving, I managed to get a picture – a profile of her –
as her car was approaching. At the moment the camera clicked, the car slowed
down in front of where I was standing and she turned round and waved. I also
saw the rest of the Royal Family, but being able to look straight at the Queen
on this wonderful historic occasion is a memory I will treasure forever.
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| The Red Arrows |
The party may well now be over, but this summer with
Wimbledon, the Olympics and maybe the football – though I don’t hold out much
hope for that – promises to give us plenty of reason to host our own summer
events.
As part of my Jubilee celebrations, I went to have
lunch at my
favourite London hotel, which is
rumoured to be frequented by members of the Royal Family, The Stafford London
by Kempinski. Quintessentially English, its quaint courtyard is the ideal
setting for a summer’s drink.
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| The Stafford London by Kempinski: the quaint courtyard |
I asked Benoit Provost, the bars manager, for some ideas for
summer party drinks. “Pimms! It’s a classic,” he replied. “It’s easy to prepare
and is wonderful served with fresh mint.”
If you want to serve cocktails, Benoit suggests livening up a glass of champagne with
strawberry purée. It’s the perfect drink for Wimbledon. Another idea is to pour
some raspberry purée into a glass filled with crushed ice and add
some lime cordial and vodka. Top with champagne, if you feel like being
extravagant.
Alternatively, mix a little Mandarine Napoleon with a lime
cordial and apple juice and fill the glass with prosecco or champagne.
For those special occasions, Benoit recommends pink
champagne. He likes Bollinger Rosé NV, Deutz Brut Rosé and Gosset Grand
Rosé.
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| Benoit Provost talking to me about party drinks |
If you are a wine lover, Benoit says you can’t go wrong with
pinot grigio. For something a
little different, Benoit recommends voignier.
“It’s a lovely dry white wine from the South West of France.” If you prefer
rosé, go for a sancerre. “Try
adding some pink-grapefruit syrup,” suggests Benoit. It may be very American,
but adding a couple of ice cubes makes a glass of wine last longer and it is
really refreshing.
By Daralyn Danns
