LEDIAN GARDENS, KENT

As the village grows the fun element of cocktails remains strong and whilst residents have their favourite tipples, it’s always fun to change the habits and introduce new flavours and concepts – which is what Ledian has done.

Fundraising is a big part of community spirit, with residents keen to raise money for local charities and initiatives close to their hearts. Ledian developed a unique way to raise funds for the charity ‘Breast Cancer Now’ by selling a signature cocktail aptly named ‘’Wear it Pink’’ – a mix of Rhubarb Gin, lemonade, crushed strawberries and lime juice. The cocktail proved an instant hit, with residents enjoying its fruity flavours, as well as being keen to see their funds go to a good cause close to resident’s heart due to Ledian’s wellbeing Navigator, Sara Ottley, being in recovery from.

Patrick Letham, Assistant Village Manager at Ledian Gardens, is a keen mixologist having worked in Mayfair, on cruise ships and at the famous Waikiki Bar in Lanzarote. Inspired by the late great Victor Bergeron of Trader Vic’s Fame, Patrick believes that it’s all about the ice, the measure, and the mixing before serving.

Patrick said; “There is no need for fancy stuff like tossing bottles, flipping glasses as it slows the bartender down. The idea is to make every drink as if it’s the best you have made. We want to keep the blends simple and memorable for our residents.”

Cocktails also lend themselves to the many themed buffets held on Wednesdays at Ledian Gardens, from Sangrias with the Spanish, Negronis with the Italian nights, Martinis with a James Bond Themed event, Pina Colado’s with the BBQ, Tequila Sunrise with Mexican food, Irish Coffee of St Patrick’s etc.

Patrick is also developing new and exciting cocktail ideas with a new winter cocktail launching this month ‘’Fred & Ginger’’ a concoction of dark rum, grenadine, lime juice and ginger beer. He is also looking ahead to the newly invigorated appetite for cocktails, with a creation named ‘’The Ledian Garden’’ coming in spring 2025 – elderflower cordial, lemon juice and gin, mixed with muddled mint, lemon and garnished with cucumber. Inspired by the beautiful grounds and scenery of Ledian Gardens and the surrounding area.

Linda Green,76, is a regular at the village’s social events; “We not only enjoy cocktails at the bar at Ledian, but we also recently did a cocktail making class! It was a brilliant event, and we loved testing the drinks during the class.”

“We enjoy most of Patrick’s cocktails and will certainly try the new one on Friday during Happy Hour.  Although I am not a fan of ginger beer I did like the Fred and Ginger.”

Ledian Garden’s residents, Patricia Bailey, 83 and Linda Green, 76, with F&B Assistant, Meadow Maclaurin and Patrick Letham, Assistant Village Manager at Ledian Gardens.

Ledian Gardens resident, Gwen Penn, 102

GREAT ALNE PARK, WARWICKSHIRE

Over in Warwickshire, Inspired Villages Food and Beverage Manager, Nathan Fleetwood, is also partial to some mixology for its residents.

Nathan said: “We do a lot of social events at Great Alen Park as have a great community of residents here, and cocktails requests are always par for the course. I did a mini cocktail party for a resident’s birthday last week and also made some signature cocktails for our Gala Dinner in November.”

“I would say our most popular requests more recently have been for the classics such as Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini, Cosmopolitan, and in summer it’s more Negroni, Mojito, Margherita and Pina Colada.”

Resident, Paul Watson, whose favourite cocktail is a Cosmopolitan or a Mudslide with his wife Dorothy who favours a Negroni.  

Further quote from Inspired Villages Design Director, Sonia Parol: ”The design of our communal spaces, such as our bars and lounges, use soft furnishings, low lighting with modern aesthetic twists like panelling and high stools for that high-end feel akin to a good hotel or cocktail lounge.  We see these being used in lots of different ways, where residents put on their own private events for birthdays and anniversaries, but also theme nights put on by our Food and Beverage teams where residents invite friends or family members and the wider community. These spaces are great to bring people together and encouraging social connections.”