A Night of Cinematic Excellence: Gattertop at the 45th London Critics’ Circle Awards

This year’s 45th London Critics’ Circle Awards was nothing short of spectacular. Hosted at the elegant Mayfair Hotel, the evening brought together the finest names in film to celebrate outstanding cinematic achievements. For the third consecutive year, Gattertop Drinks was honoured to serve as the official drinks sponsor, crafting an exclusive cocktail menu that seamlessly blended film and flavour.

Bringing Cinema to Life Through Cocktails

In collaboration with Double Dutch Drinks and Vault Aperetivo, we curated a selection of bespoke serves, each inspired by a nominated film. These carefully crafted cocktails encapsulated the essence of their stories, transporting guests from the red carpet to the heart of the films themselves.

The Activator – Inspired by The Substance

Fresh, invigorating, and strikingly bold, The Activator mirrored the film’s daring energy. Gattertop Nº1 vodka provided the crisp backbone, while Midori and fresh lime brought a vibrant edge. Finished with Double Dutch cucumber & watermelon soda, it was as refreshing as it was delicious—an ode to transformation and reinvention.

The Brutalist – Inspired by The Brutalist

Dark, brooding, and intensely layered, The Brutalist captured the film’s powerful themes through flavour. A modern take on the 1950s classic Manhattan, this cocktail balanced boldness with depth. Gattertop Nº12 damson liqueur provided a rich fruit-forward base, while Vault Aperitivo’s rosemary & orange bitter vermouth added an intriguing herbal complexity. Finished with Angostura Bitters and a fragrant orange peel garnish, The Brutalist was a drink for those who appreciate structure, intensity, and a long finish.

Communion – Inspired by Conclave

Elegant and intriguing, Communion defined purity and refinement, mirroring the film’s quiet intensity. A long take on the classic Martini—the favourite cocktail of lead actor Ralph Fiennes—this serve was a study in balance and sophistication. Gattertop Nº7 botanical vodka provided a crisp, clean foundation, while Vault Aperitivo’s herbaceous white vermouth, infused with lemon verbena, added a subtle floral complexity. Topped with Double Dutch pomegranate & basil soda and finished with delicate gold leaf, Communion was a drink of understated power, delivering a sense of depth with every sip.

A Night to Remember

From the glamour of the red carpet to the final celebratory toast, the London Critics’ Circle Awards was a true showcase of storytelling, both on screen and in the glass. It was an honour to once again craft a cocktail experience worthy of such an esteemed event, and we look forward to raising a glass to another year of outstanding cinema.