Chesham care home celebrates bespoke gin launch alongside opening of new resident-led Mini Market

Portobello Place, part of the Berkley Care Group, planned the event through a collaborative effort between General Manager Cindy, Events Manager Gita Maksimova, Second Chef Erin, and Hospitality Assistant Fiona, with input from residents throughout. Heads of department selected the date together, ensuring it aligned with residents’ calendars and the home’s upcoming activities.

The Portobello Mini Market was the brainchild of General Manager Cindy, developed to bring local artisan goods directly into the home. The shop features beautiful handmade pieces supplied by a resident’s relative, along with everyday items such as cards and toiletries. A suggestion box allows residents to request items they would like to see stocked, helping to shape the shop’s ongoing offering.

The Mini Market was officially opened during the celebration by Judith, Portobello Place’s much-loved Residents’ Ambassador, who cut the ribbon to warm applause from fellow residents, families and team members.

The festivities continued with the launch of Golden Hour, a London Dry gin created in partnership with award-winning distillers Sky Wave and developed with input from residents across Berkley Care homes. The gin takes its name from the cherished Golden Hour gatherings held weekly in Berkley homes, known for bringing residents together for conversation, creativity and connection. Its floral, aromatic flavour profile was designed to capture the warmth and spirit of life within the Berkley community.

The atmosphere during the event was celebratory and upbeat, with welcome gin cocktails helping to set a lively tone. Hospitality Assistant Fiona created a special menu of cocktails for the occasion, including the Apple and Prosecco Gin Fizz, Berkley Bramble, and the Portobello Gin and Tonic. The welcome cocktail, the Apple and Prosecco Gin Fizz, was the clear favourite, and many residents were delighted to discover that they enjoyed gin more than they expected.

The tasting was accompanied by a beautifully presented selection of canapés prepared by the kitchen team, attracting admiration for their variety, flavour and artistry. Residents joked competitively about why Portobello Place had not been chosen to help create the Golden Hour gin itself, adding a light-hearted touch to the afternoon.

Golden Hour gin is now a permanent fixture at the Portobello Place bar, with cocktails available on request. As cocktails and mocktails already feature as arrival drinks at many of the home’s events, Golden Hour will become a recurring part of future gatherings and celebrations.

Commenting on the occasion, Gita Maksimova, Portobello Place’s Events Manager said: “It was a wonderful, celebratory afternoon. Launching Golden Hour alongside opening our Portobello Mini Market made the day feel really special for everyone. Fiona’s cocktails were a big hit, and it was lovely to see residents trying new flavours and enjoying the atmosphere. We’re excited to feature Golden Hour in many more of our events.”