To launch a new limited-edition bottle from The World’s Most Awarded Gin designed by Lakwena, the free gallery celebrates the rich cultural fabric and energy of the city that inspired the design
Beefeater, The World’s Most-Awarded Gin*, has teamed up with East-London based artist, Lakwena, to launch a vibrant new design which illustrates the energy and multiculturalism that defines the capital.
Providing a first-look at the limited-edition bottle, a pop-up gallery will showcase effervescent portraits of a collective of nine creatives who embody The Spirit of London. The gallery is free to the public and opens on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th October, in Shoreditch. Visitors to the gallery will be able to enjoy Beefeater’s iconic Gin & Tonic whilst viewing the specially curated pieces, shot by collective member Kiran Gidda.
The collective includes like-minded people from different disciplines including art, dance, and food and drink, across the capital and showcases the best of London’s globally renowned culture. The portraits will be supported by a short bio from each member, including the part they play within London’s eclectic mix, how the city has inspired them, and their interpretation of The Spirit of London.
The collective has been curated by Lakwena with each person invited for embodying one of her three distinct mottos she has created that reflect upon some of the key values that make up The Spirit of London:
We Mix and Blend – The collective includes a street-food Chef, Mixologist and Coffee Artist who create fusions of flavours inspired by the mix of people, culture, sights, sounds and tastes in London.
We Work and Play – London is a city of endless opportunity. A DJ, Roller Skate Performer and Spoken-Word Poet demonstrate how people from across the world move there to study, work, pursue their dreams and have some fun!
We Move and Shake – London constantly changes. Over its long history, the city has been rebuilt and reimagined, but it’s always remained resilient because those who live there are adaptable and flexible. Portraits of a Bollywood Choreographer, at-home Nail Artist and Photographer illustrate how determination and grit, when combined with creativity, result in success.
“London is my home – it’s so dynamic and eclectic, which is what makes it unlike anywhere else in the world. The energy of its people is what I believe makes up the true Spirit of London. Ever evolving, the city is full of idea makers, creators and innovators, who aren’t afraid to pave their own way. These people are who inspired my bottle design for Beefeater and who we are shining a light on at The Spirit of London Gallery, with an exhibition capturing a small slice of the people who make London so unique.”
Lakwena, Beefeater Collaborative Artist
In celebration of the launch, Beefeater will also reveal a Lakwena mural outside of the Beefeater Gin Distillery in Kennington, bringing her trademark joy-inducing colours to London’s oldest gin distillery.
The Spirit of London gallery event will be open at 133 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG on:
- Friday 7th October: 16:00 – 21:00
- Saturday 8th October: 14:00 – 20:00
Entry is free, however, advance booking is advised. Tickets can be secured via Eventbrite. Each guest will receive a complimentary Beefeater Gin & Tonic to enjoy while browsing the art and learn about the Lakwena partnership and the collective. 18+ only.
The new Beefeater x Lakwena Limited Edition bottle will be available from Thursday 6th October in all major retailers including Waitrose, Tesco and Asda for £18.45. Following the launch event, The Spirit of London Gallery will move from Shoreditch to the Beefeater Distillery, Kennington, from Monday 10th October and is included in the price of a standard distillery tour ticket.
For more information please visit: www.beefeatergin.com.
