We Sipped Cocktails at the Real Downton Abbey — Go Inside a Party at Highclere Castle (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Lady Carnarvon (right) Lord Carnarvon (center) and co-founder of Highclere Castle Gin, Adam von Gootkin.Photo:Highclere Castle Gin

Highclere Castle Gin

In the home of fictionalDownton Abbeyduring the height of the COVID pandemic, the real lady of the house enjoyed sharing a new concept:Virtual cocktail hourwith tens of thousands of online guests.

Brandyn Shaw and his orchestra at the party in the library at Highclere Castle, Sept. 2024.Highclere Castle Gin

Similar toDownton Abbey’s fictional butler named Mr. Carson, Highclere’s own Luis Coelho, mixed and poured the cocktails in the grand hall.Highclere Castle’s own gin brandwas celebrated at the special evening party.

Also on the drink menu was a classic gin and tonic with a signature sprig of rosemary, and a Negroni.

“A few years ago, 80,000 people watched us drink cocktails, getting dressed up to join us online,” Lady Carnarvon said proudly. “There are around 80 here today.”

Since those virtual parties, the gin brand has thrived in the niche gin market, using botanicals from the orangery at the stately home’s garden, or tapping into history to create new versions.

The cocktails on offer at Highclere Castle during the soiree in Sept. 2024.Highclere Castle Gin

In the library of the house that boasts more than 250 rooms, there are relaxed, candid family photographs and portraits of the lateQueen ElizabethandPrince Philipserved to underline the couple’s links to the British royal family (Lord Carnarvon was a godson of Queen Elizabeth).

Serving up a musical accompaniment of post Second World War favorites,Brandyn Shawand his orchestra performed at the far end of the library.

As he looked around the grand room, Lord Carnarvon told guests, “My family have been great entertainers here. Can you imagine the house parties that the 5thEarl held? There would have been plenty of gin cocktails then.”

Luis Coehlo and his cocktails at Highclere Castle, Sept. 2024.Highclere Castle Gin

Royalty, statesmen and women and greats of literature and music have been through the doors. But the show that made Highclere Castle famous to viewers around the world is evident in several of the rooms. Photographs ofDownton Abbeyscenes starringMaggie Smith,Hugh Bonneville,Elizabeth McGovernandMichelle Dockeryare set up on easels in the library, drawing room and hallway for visitors to see where the fictional drama unfolded.

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Lord Carnarvon and co-founder of Highclere Castle Gin, Adam von Gootkin at Highclere Castle, Sept. 2024.Highclere Castle Gin

Like millions of fans, Lady C said she’s waiting in anticipation for how the story will unfold.

source: people.com