Exmouth Mayor receives Gin Masterclass at the Manor Hotel

The secret to making the perfect Gin and Tonic was revealed to Exmouth's new Mayor at a gin festival in the town today.

Local and international gins were on offer at the Manor Hotel's celebration of World Gin Day as well as buffet lunch in the hotel's newly refurbished bar.

Exmouth Mayor Steve Gazzard was on hand to officially open the new bar and to participate in a gin demonstration.

"I'm delighted to officially open this newly refurbished bar here at the Manor Hotel," said Steve.

"I'd like to wish the Manor Hotel a really warm welcome to the town and to compliment them on the refurbishment work.

"I love what you have done to the place, the bar is so light and airy now."

The Manor Hotel's head chef, Peter, took over the bar today to demonstrate the different ways you can dress and garnish the iconic gin and tonic.

Peter said: "It's World Gin Day today so we took the opportunity to have a little play around with our extensive collection of gins and show locals all the great things you can do with this popular spirit.

"In order to get the perfect gin and tonic you need to know your flavours. I like to make use of herbs and spices with my drinks and it's important to know what you're base gin tastes like and what compliments it.

"My personal favourite is the Salcome Gin with a Mediterranean tonic."

The event was open to everyone and featured some of the best gins on the market including: Wicked Wolf, Bathtub Gin, Tanqueray, Monkey 47, C'est Nous, Quick Gin, Hendrick's, Gibraltar Gin, Gordon's, Pinkster, Salcombe Gin, Brockmans, Commando Spirit, Warner Edwards, Bulldog, Plymouth Sloe, Gin Mare and Peaky Blinders.

Manor Hotel's owner, Andrea Tucker, said: "The Gin Festival came about because a switched on member of our staff noticed World Gin Day was coming up, we felt it was a great opportunity to celebrate all things gin.

"We're thrilled with how our refurbishment has gone and the feedback has all been really positive.

"We've got a great group of young staff who are bringing in some fresh ideas which we are really embracing. Our head chef, Pete, is like a tornado and we really value his experience and his expert gin knowledge."

If you miss today's event the Manor Hotel's next event on Friday, June 28, celebrates National Cream Tea Day. To find out more click the red button below.

Picture One: Exmouth Mayor Steve Gazzard with Manor Hotel owner Andrea Tucker.