When you think of the revered Eleven Madison Park, fish and chips, gin, and Beatles tunes aren’t exactly what immediately comes to mind.
But on Sunday afternoon, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic transformed Eleven Madison’s patio to Liverpool, complete with English weather (read: cloudy and damp!), English bulldogs and English gin.
Despite the weather, I’m sure other attendees would agree that the British Invasion was, hands down, the best event on this year’s MCC docket. The event featured Beefeater and Plymouth gin (our favorite!) cocktails made by head bartender Leo Robitschek, music from The Crooners, and fish and chips from Daniel Humm’s legendary kitchen. The ever-charming Eleven Madison waitstaff were particularly adorable in their Union Jack dresses.
The menu offered six superb drinks, mostly classics such as Negronis, South Sides, Pimms Cups, but one of my favorites of the afternoon was one of Robitschek’s own creations—the English Heat—made with Beefeater 24, jalapeño-infused Agave, lemon, Tuaca, and Dolin Dry Vermouth.
The event would have been lovely regardless, but having it at Eleven Madison Park was particularly special. After all, could there be anything nicer than sipping a cocktail, overlooking Madison Square Park, with the real, live (okay, sort of…) Beatles playing in the background?
Penny, the English bulldog and the party’s official matriarch (see above) patrolled the patio to ensure that everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves, but as you can imagine, fun wasn’t hard to come by as people danced, sipped and ate into the evening.
Needless to say, the next time the British invade Eleven Madison Park, we’ll be among the first in line!
- Laura
Oh, I would have been in seventh heaven. And probably dangerously tipsy.
We were! It was a lot of fun!
It was a first class party. Agreed that it was the best of MCC events 2011.
Did you attend any other MCC events, Linda?
Yes, The Latin Spirits Bus Tour (this year we went to Brooklyn for 2 stops) and last night’s amazing Rooftop Riffs party at XVI.
Sounds great! Here’s hoping the British Invasion will return next year.
How fun! Drinks look fab…and what a great venue for this event — love EMP!
The drinks were fantastic, but we particularly liked the EMP fish and chips.
eleven madison is on me and the hubs list. we just keep putting off, er, spending a crap ton of money on food. so glad i found your blog, my fellow new yorker.
Thanks a lot, Rebecca. We’re just getting started so thanks for reading!
Eleven Madison is definitely worth saving up for, by the way.
looks like a great event! those cocktails look particularly delicious!
thanks so much for stopping by my blog! love yours.
xo.ashley
We’re already counting down the days until next year’s event!
Thanks for your comment, we’re so glad you like the blog.
What a jolly time!! My friend just introduced me to your blog and I LOVE this post.
It’s been a difficult day but seeing these pictures put a huge smile on my face. Thank you! 
Krista, what a sweet comment! It was definitely a jolly time; we hope they host the event again next year. Thanks again for reading—we hope you’ll stick around.
-LR