Name: Legends of the Martini, Royal Academy
Start: 2014-08-01
End: 2014-08-31
Location: Royal Academy

In Legends of the Martini, Belvedere luxury vodka takes you on an interactive tour of the history of the iconic cocktail at the Royal Academy

Ever wanted to answer that age-old question of how best to serve a Martini: shaken or stirred? Nobody is better-placed to help you answer that than luxury vodka brand Belvedere with their Royal Academy-based interactive tasting experience Legends of the Martini.

Belvedere is bringing its knowledge of the perfect martini to the Royal Academy for a dynamic journey through the history of one of the world’s most iconic cocktails.

Legends of the Martini takes vodka enthusiasts on an interactive (only part of the interaction is of the patron-with-beverage variety) tour through the evolution of the martini and promises to introduce guests to characters from popular culture who have made the drink famous.

Characters including Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Ernest Hemingway- each of whom played an important role in the history of the drink- are brought to life through a unique multimedia collaboration between artists including a photographer, a poet, a filmmaker and a live music ensemble.

Original text, film and music are used to draw guests into the world of these characters, evoking distinct periods of history that are intrinsically linked with one of the most sophisticated drinks in libation history. The Royal Academy will witness scenes from the glamour of the 1920s through to the kitsch of the 1960s and up to the present day, all curated by the multimedia team.

After the interactive part of the experience is over, guests will be able to sample three miniature martinis to compare the key elements of the cocktail: shaken with stirred, dry with sweet, and different vermouths and garnishes.

And to top off the evening a pop-up bar selling a selection of Belvedere martinis will be open alongside the interactive experience to further stimulate the imagination.

This is a unique and memorable way to explore the heritage of perhaps the most iconic drink of the 20th century.

Open from 5pm until 10.30pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm until 10.30pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 12pm until 5.pm on Sundays

What	Legends of the Martini, Royal Academy
Where	Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD \| MAP
Nearest tube	Piccadilly Circus (underground)
When	01 Aug 14 – 31 Aug 14, 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price	£15
Website	Click here to book tickets via the Belvedere website

Where to eat...

A little walk away, on Newburgh Street, is Pitt Cue Co.

Vegetarians look away now: this is an unadulterated meat fest. However, the kitchen does have a lightness of touch that you wouldn’t expect from such macho fare. Pulled pork, chipotle slaw and burnt end mash is devilishly silken and rich, and the pork ribs will see you messy in no time. The tiny, ramshackle two-storey is always a squash, but brave the queue and you will be rewarded.

COMPLETE THE AFTERNOON

After spending perhaps a little too long on your feet, simply hop across the road to relax and perhaps indulge; iconic British department store Fortnum and Mason offer an award-winning afternoon tea that everyone should experience at least once. Make sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Practical

ABOUT THE VENUE

Founded in 1768 through an act of King George III, the Royal Academy was originally intended to promote the development of the visual arts in Britain. Of course long-gone are the days of academic oil painting in the vein of first president Joshua Reynolds, with YBAs such as Tracey Emin among the rank of recent Academicians. From its Piccadilly residence in the illustrious Burlington House, today the RA hosts an extensive programme of historical and contemporary exhibitions.The tradition of the The Summer Exhibition, where successful open submissions are hung floor-to-ceiling, remains as a sure highlight of the London's art calendar.