Renais Gin x Hide Below: Where Craft Meets Celebration
London’s cocktail culture thrives on collaboration, experimentation, and a flair for storytelling, and few events capture this spirit better than the recent Renais x Hide Bar Below takeover in London. Nestled beneath the acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant Hide, The Bar Below transformed into a stage for an unforgettable evening of cocktails, creativity, and culinary artistry.
Guests were welcomed into a warm yet refined atmosphere where mixology met gastronomy, with Michelin-starred canapés designed to perfectly match the evening’s cocktails. At the heart of it all was Renais Gin, a terroir-driven spirit with roots in Northern France and a mission to reimagine what sustainable luxury can look and taste like.
The Art of the Takeover
The night brought together a trio of celebrated bartenders, each adding their unique flair to the experience.
Benedetta Paris from Happiness Forgets delivered bold, unapologetic flavors that embodied the energy of London’s East End.
Tristan Carvalho of The Cocktail Trading Company crafted playful, theatrical drinks that made each sip a performance in itself.
Gento Torigata from Waltz introduced a refined, elegant approach, balancing precision with subtlety.
Together, they showcased the versatility of Renais Gin while highlighting the creative spirit that continues to define London’s cocktail scene.
Renais Gin: A Family Legacy with a Modern Vision
While the evening was a celebration of mixology, it also shined a spotlight on Renais Gin, the star spirit of the takeover. Founded by siblings Alex and Emma Watson, Renais is deeply inspired by their family vineyard in Northern France. This heritage is woven into the gin’s very fabric: it is distilled using upcycled wine grapes, a commitment that transforms tradition into innovation.
Infused with botanicals such as linden flowers, cubeb berries, and acacia honey, Renais delivers a smooth and floral character that feels equally at home in a classic G&T as it does in a festive spritz. Beyond its elegant taste, the gin embodies a modern ethos of sustainability and responsibility, setting it apart in a crowded market.
A Standout Gift for the Season
As the festive season approaches, Renais Gin emerges not only as a sophisticated drink but also as a thoughtful gift. Its beautifully crafted bottle reflects the same care that goes into its production, making it a standout choice for hosts, connoisseurs, or anyone who values detail and flavor.
Adding to its appeal, Renais offers personalisation options when purchased directly from renais.co.uk, allowing gift-givers to add a unique touch. Priced from £48.00 for 70cl (40% ABV), it represents a blend of craftsmanship, sustainability, and style that feels perfectly attuned to today’s conscious yet celebratory lifestyle.
More Than Just a Spirit
What makes Renais Gin compelling isn’t only its taste, but its story: a gin born from vineyards, rooted in family tradition, and driven by a commitment to do things better. The Hide Below takeover captured this essence beautifully, offering a night where cocktails weren’t just drinks but experiences, where heritage met innovation, and where sustainability took center stage without sacrificing indulgence.
For those who couldn’t attend, the spirit of the evening lives on in every bottle of Renais. Whether poured into a perfectly chilled glass or gifted as a sign of appreciation, it carries with it a reminder: the best celebrations are those crafted with care.
