The Diary

The Diary: The Gentleman’s Journal Autumn Drinks

An evening of altitude, elegance, and exceptional whisky — Gentleman’s Journal marked the arrival of autumn high above London at Oblix in The Shard, toasting the season with The Macallan drams, panoramic views, and a crowd as sparkling as the skyline itself.

Words: Joseph Bullmore

The lift up to the 32nd floor of the Shard takes 6.8 seconds, travelling at such a rate that one experiences a pleasant giddiness in the stomach as it settles at the peak. Or perhaps that’s just the general frisson of walking into the Gentleman’s Journal Autumn Drinks, come to think of it. Either way, a steadying dram of The Macallan felt necessary on entry yesterday evening — which was lucky, because they were our partner for this year’s party. What fun!

Held on a beautifully clear Wednesday evening, the Autumn Drinks had a distinct ‘back to school’ feel (albeit if your school was located some 200 metres above central London and Levison Wood was head boy.) Everyone — including Leo Sutter, Sam Webb, Max Brown and Creed McKinnon — seemed to be in town once more for the bash: a jolly reunion made all the jollier thanks to a liberal spritz of Moët et Chandon champagne, a drop of Heineken and three-to-six lashings of Whispering Angel rosé.

Oblix, our venue for the night, was quite spectacular, with far-reaching views out over a toy-like Tower Bridge and the glittering lights of The City beyond. It’s one of those spots that is so rare in London — a sleek and sophisticated restaurant with a genuine wow-factor. Is there a better pairing in the world than panoramic vistas and a miniature wagyu burger (okay, three miniature wagyu burgers)? Other wonders were available of course — like the superb The Macallan Meridian, a swoony cocktail of The Macallan Double Cask 12-Years-Old, Valdespino Manzanilla deliciosa, and a judicious slither of orange which did for any lingering vertigo. Hurrah!