Pernod Ricard ushered in the festive season with its annual Convivial Christmas celebration in London on 7 November.
The Moodie Davitt Report Brands Director Hannah Tan was on location for the event, which brought together senior leaders from Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail (GTR), Chivas Brothers and Pernod Ricard UK and key partners for an evening of conviviality, craft spirits and creative pairings.
This year’s edition centred on the playful theme Sips & Sarnies, pairing Pernod Ricard cocktails with a selection of gourmet sandwiches.
The multi-sensory format offered guests an immersive journey through the building, showcasing the depth of the group’s spirits portfolio in engaging ways.
Guests were greeted with welcome drinks, including the Altos Santa Margarita, Almave Santa Margarita and a refreshing Lillet Rosé Spritz, setting the tone for the evening.
Upstairs, a main bar highlighted Pernod Ricard’s Grow & Build portfolio, offering a feel-good mix of seasonal and signature cocktails, such as the Malfy Rosa & Tonic, Bumbu Tiramisu Martini, Malibu & Pineapple and a Havana Club 7 Rum Punch.
Dom’s Sandwich Bar was a focal point and paired crafted cocktails with curated sandwiches.
The menu featured the Chivas Regal Crystalgold Spritz served with the Let it Pho sandwich; the Absolut Dirty Martini paired with A Blue (cheese) Christmas sandwich; the winter-spiced Jameson Gingerbread Old Fashioned matched with the Mistletoe Moist Maker sandwich; and the Perrier-Jouët French 75 alongside the Santa’s Aperitivo sandwich.
Downstairs, the Whisky Lounge showcased Pernod Ricard’s whisky portfolio in a dimly lit lounge atmosphere. Premium serves included The Regal Martini with Chivas Regal 18, TGL Orchard Highball, Ballantine’s Whisky Sour with Honey, Royal Salute 21 The Kensington, the Aberlour Cuddy Mule and Martell Cordon Bleu Theodore.
Throughout the night, Pernod Ricard encouraged mindful drinking by offering Beefeater 0.0 & Tonics and a gentle reminder to ‘Drink More Water’ with water tray service, underscoring its ongoing commitment to responsible consumption.
The General Spirits Store
A secret bar, only accessible with a special token, revealed the most prestigious pours of the evening. Guests discovered rare and aged expressions, including The Glenlivet Caskmakers 14, 16 and 19 Year Old, Aberlour 18 Year Old, Royal Salute Kingdom 26 Old Coheita, Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast 18 Year Old, Codigo Anejo and Origen among others.
Pernod Ricard EVP Global Brands and Chivas Brothers CEO Jean-Etienne Gourgues welcomed guests by saying: “Welcome for the first time to all of you we haven’t met before and a welcome back to those who have been to our Christmas Media Events for many years – it’s good to see you again.
“I also welcome you on behalf of three Pernod Ricard businesses based here in the UK – Chivas Brothers, Global Travel Retail and Pernod Ricard UK.
“Today, as always, is all about conviviality and sharing a moment together ahead of the Christmas season – it’s about enjoying our brands that will play an important role in festive celebrations.”
He continued: “You’re standing in Pernod Ricard’s very first sandwich shop and I encourage you all to visit the Dom’s Subs sandwich bar, with all sandwiches perfectly paired with one of our festive cocktails, such as Absolut, Jameson and the new Chivas Crystalgold.
“Then please do head downstairs to our luxury whisky bar, where our full range of Scotch whiskies and Martell are on offer with your dessert.”
Pernod Ricard UK Managing Director Julia Massies added, “Keep an ear to the ground for how you can gain access our secret bar, where you will get to try some of the higher styles from the likes of Royal Salute, Codigo, Del Maguey and Perrier Jouet.
“There are plenty of drinks on offer, so please enjoy these responsibly, there will be plenty of water going round as part of our global responsible drinking campaign, Drink More Water.
“So please, enjoy, and Merry Christmas from all of us at Pernod Ricard.” ✈
