If Mr G could do a Doctor Who and step inside the tardis, he’d go back to circa. 1958 no question. The reason? So he could live it large, wear sharp suits and hang out with Frank and the Rat Pack.
He’s probably not the only one. That’s why the Sinatra Selects tour running this month to celebrate Jack Daniel’s birthday is guaranteed to be a hit. Not only does it take in some of Frank’s favourite London hangouts but it focuses on his favourite spirit, Jack Daniels and cranks it up a notch with the smooth, rich taste of special edition Sinatra Select. Taste-wise it’s something the guv’nor would most definitely have approved of. Although in the same family as Jack, think of it being like that older, wiser more knowing older brother – it’s JD buffed, manicured and wearing a bespoke suit.
So that’s the spirit, what about the tour? Actually, it’s a free-form thing which you can dip in and out of as you like. Choose from masterclasses in the Wine & Spirits shop, or enjoying a specially created Sinatra cocktail in Harry Gordon’s Bar, both at Selfridges (nip upstairs to the Designer Room and get kitted out in a Frank-style suit while you’re there).
Next, call in at the Punch Room at the London Edition hotel for a Sinatra Punch (what else?), followed by dinner at his favourite London restaurant Santini. Menu tip: try the excellent Milanese with a side of spaghetti. Round it off with Sinatra’s preferred lemon posset dessert and you’ll receive a complimentary Sinatra on the rocks.
For those who really want to do it Frank’s way, it’s on to The Savoy where he not only performed on the Beaufort Bar stage but would stay on the many occasions he was in London. Feeling flush? Book the Sinatra Suite and receive a complimentary Sinatra on the rocks in the American Bar.
The Sinatra Selects tour runs throughout September. For bookings and details of offers, contact the venues below.
Santini, 29 Ebury Street, London, SW1W 0NZ. T: 020 7730 4094. santinirestaurant.com
Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AE. T: 020 7629 1234. selfridges.com
The Punch Room at The London EDITION, 10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP. T: 020 7781 0000. edition-hotels.marriott.com
The Savoy, Strand, Savoy Way, London WC2R 0EU. T: 020 7836 4343. fairmont.com/savoy
Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select is available at Selfridges and The Whisky Shop, priced £150. Find out more at jackdaniels.com