Inhaling gin is a social object - discuss

Douglas Adams understood the many theraputic (and quintessentially English) benefits of a good Gin and Tonic. But his mantle has now passed to Bompass & Parr, previously best known for their fantastic jellymongers work.



I first came acros Bompass & Parr via my mate Nik Ramage, who (as far as I know has made the world's first, and best) jelly-wobbling machine. The jelly community is strong...



Anyway, I was lucky enough to be invited along to Bompass & Parr's Alcoholic Architecture installation on Friday night. And very entertaining it was too. The long and the short of it is that they've totally infused a basement room just off Carnaby St with Hendricks gin and tonic. After donning a protective suit (to keep your clothes gin-free) you're ushered into a room which is heavy with a sweet and sticky gin mist. And you simply breathe. Deeply.

It reminded me a slightly alcoholic version of Gormley's Blind Light installation. You can see about 6ft in front of your nose - occasionally making out the giant lime in the corner. Or the 6-foot decorative straw. Everyone's wearing head-to-toe white boiler suits. And everyone's asking everyone else if they feel a bit pissed yet.

Great fun. Hats off to Bompas & Parr for some fine entertainment.

More reviews on The Londonist and Around Britain with a Paunch, and some great pics on Flickr taken by Qype/Chris Osborn.