Ireland’s tallest cocktail bar serves up a giant spirit

Nearly 1,000 measures of gin are included in the huge Jawbox Giant’s Edition bottle – the star attraction of a new G & Tea afternoon tea experience now serving in The Observatory in Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel.

The bottle takes its name and inspiration from Jonathan Swift’s famous novel Gulliver's Travels, in which the writer was said to have been inspired by the sight of the Belfast Hills, which he felt resembled a sleeping giant safeguarding the city. 

At 73cm tall, the Jawbox Giant’s Edition holds almost 46 standard bottles of gin, with the huge flagon weighing more than 50kg and containing a staggering 32 litres of the spirit. 

A delectable G & Tea, with a selection of delicate sandwiches, scones and sweet treats inspired by the botanicals and flavours of Jawbox Gin, has been created to celebrate the occasion.

The afternoon tea will be served daily in Ireland’s tallest cocktail bar, The Observatory on the 23rd  floor of the Hasting Hotels-owned Grand Central Hotel. 

Guests can also sit back, relax, and take in the stunning views overlooking the Belfast Hills and beyond whilst enjoying the new Jonathan’s Twist Cocktail. 

With 23 floors, 300 rooms and three restaurants, the Grand Central Hotel is an impressive fusion of glamour, grandeur and the unique giant spirit of Belfast. 

The perfect base to explore the city, its bar and restaurant choices range from the chic Grand Café on the ground floor to the design-led Seahorse Bar and Restaurant overlooking Bedford Street. The Observatory small plates cocktail lounge tops it all off with magical mixology and spectacular views across the city.

Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of the Grand Central Hotel said: “We are delighted to mark our reopening by embracing our giant spirit, in partnership with Jawbox and Tourism NI, by showcasing the world’s largest bottle of gin. We have created a truly unique visitor experience for our guests who can enjoy our new G & Tea and find out more about one of our most famous local legends.”

Founder of Jawbox Small Batch Gin, Gerry White said: “The Grand Central Hotel is the perfect home for the bottle, with stunning views overlooking the Belfast Hills that inspired the story behind our Giant's Edition gin and from which one of our key botanicals, Black Mountain Heather is carefully gathered.”

The G & Tea experience is supported by Tourism Northern Ireland and the ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit’ campaign, which is evident everywhere you go in the vibrant streets of Belfast.

From the glittering Titanic Belfast and a rich maritime heritage, to Game of Thrones® attractions and inspiring cultural pursuits, the city has it all. Easy to navigate, with excellent nightlife, lively arts and music scenes, all sorts of sight-seeing tours, fantastic eating out and brilliant shopping, a long weekend in Belfast will be unforgettable. 

www.ireland.com