Special Events and Literary Cocktails for Book Day

Ever since it first opened back in 1853, GRAN HOTEL INGLÉS has always been a significant social and cultural hub in Madrid, once gathering the most coveted authors, such as Valle-Inclán and Galdós, who found their inspiration around its tables. Now one of the Leading Hotels of the World, GRAN HOTEL INGLÉS will be joining in with “Book Night” celebrations on 22 April, commemorating the deaths and acknowledging the brilliance of the three greatest writers in world literature: Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare and Garcilaso de la Vega.

Located in the famous Barrio de las Letras, in the beating heart of Madrid, and close to the Golden Triangle of Art, the 5-star Gran Hotel Inglés will be hosting a private lunch/gathering organised by the booksellers’ association “La Cuesta de Moyano.” This event will bring together some of the greatest writers of modern times, who will take part in a round-table discussion about all things literature over a spot of fine dining, with a special menu prepared by Michel-star chef Fernando P. Arellano, featuring a selection of mouth-watering desserts. The backdrop to this event is also extremely fitting, having once served as a meeting place for many illustrious writers, such as Clarín, Valle-Inclán, Galdós and Virgina Woolf, who would visit the hotel to talk about society and to find their inspiration.

On 22 April at 7pm, Casa Lobo, GRAN HOTEL INGLÉS’ very own restaurant, will be presenting “Las Esperanzas” (“Hopes”), Raquel Orejudo’s first novel, and everyone is welcome to join. In this work published by Círculo Rojo, Orejudo (Salamanca, 1970) tells the story of Laura, a university graduate who moves to Madrid for work and to start a new life with her partner, but the things that are about to happen will change their outlook on life itself.

“Novel-tasting” cocktails

To perfectly round off this wonderful programme on the evenings of 22 and 24 April (Book Night), Gran Hotel Inglés, which also offers a spa service and large luxury suites, will also transform its food and drink services to mark the occasion, with LobByto, its very own lobby bar, serving up specially designed cocktails inspired by the greatest writers to have set foot in the establishment throughout its history:

• Hemingway Daiquiri: This take on a very popular cocktail is inspired by Hemingway’s special recipe, containing: 60 ml white rum, 30 ml grapefruit juice, 15 ml lime juice, 1 barspoon of Maraschino liqueur, and 1 of barspoon sugar. This reduces the sweetness of its flavour, since the famous writer suffered from diabetes and couldn’t consume large quantities of sweeteners.

• Espresso Lorca: The highly acclaimed author, Federico García Lorca, was a whisky and coffee aficionado, so LobByto has decided to create its own Espresso recipe to pay tribute to the Granada-born poet, containing: 22 ml Espresso coffee liqueur, 45 ml Maracuyá, 45 ml Irish whisky and 15 ml cinnamon syrup.

• Virginia Woolf Adonis: The illustrious British author, who stayed at this hotel during her trips to Madrid, was a wine enthusiast. So, to celebrate World Book Day, Gran Hotel Inglés’ cocktail bar has put its own spin on this light cocktail, so that it goes down as nicely as a refreshing glass of chilled wine. Our version contains: 60 ml sherry wine, 30 ml sweet Vermouth, and 2 dashes of orange bitter.