The Whip at The Running Horse

Did the excitement of the Grand National whip you into a racing frenzy? Or maybe Ascot is your horsing event of choice?
Either way, why not jump back in time to the glory days of the US’s Kentucky Derby with a trip to The Whip? This glamorous eatery is giving a British take on derby's most iconic cocktail — the julep.
This cocktail spot, decked out in jockey’s silks, has just moved in above the revamped Running Horse in Mayfair and it’s fair to say the men behind the venture have got something bold up their silken sleeves.
Traditionally a julep is made with bourbon or whiskey and served with mint, sugar and water, but James Chase of Chase Distillery and Dominic Jacobs, former bar director of Harvey Nichols, are bringing a British angle to this American classic.
They have an array of muddling herbs, botanicals, honeys and handmade preserves and, of course, plenty of gin and vodka.
Chase and Jacobs want to remind Londoners of long-forgotten mixing techniques and are offering a range of spirits from independent suppliers (as well of course as Chase’s own distillery). This innovative new addition to the cocktail scene is definitely one of the best places to go for a drink in Knightsbridge. 
Served in a pewter tin with a julep strainer for the herbs and botanicals, you can be sure you’ll get a traditional flavour even with the most modern of combinations. 
It’s probably best to soak up the spirits with some small plates whipped up by MastChef, the Professionals quarter-finalist Andrew Justice.  We recommend the Chopped Burger and Jockey Whips (or chips to you and me).