Ken Livingstone is the clear front runner in London’s mayoral race, but only when it comes to cocktails.
That’s according to the Park Plaza County Hall’s Spectrum Bar. The hotel has created a range of potent drinks to mark the forthcoming elections.
The red cocktail concoction has outsold its blue, yellow and green competition. According to its creator, mixologist Fabio Fraticelli, the cranberry and pomegranate sensation is proving a hit with customers.
“There is also a lot of gin in the ‘Ken Livingstone’ which may be part of its appeal,” says Fabio.
Mr Livingstone’s closest rival in the real contest, Boris Johnson, will take little comfort from customer reaction to the cocktail named after him.
“I am sure Boris will be hoping the capital’s voters will take a better shine to him on May 1st. But it’s a long way from the bar to the ballot box,” says Fabio.
“I created the ‘Boris Johnson’ for its electric blue colour. It contains an exotic twist of sambuca, vodka, Galliano and Blue Curaçao. I thought it would be more popular but older ladies do seem to like it.”
The third runner in the mayoral contest, former policeman Brian Paddick, will find the results of the cocktail-off comforting. Almost as many customers chose to imbibe his amber tequila with a pink tinge, as they did the ‘Red Ken’.
Lagging behind boozy ballot is the once luminous but quickly fading ‘Sian Berry’.
“I’m quite disappointed,” says Fabio. “I thought the lip-smacking combination of Midori and lemon would go down a treat, but so far not one single person has ventured to try the cocktail. I think there is something lacking in the ingredients.”
The range of cocktails has been causing a stir among clientele in the Spectrum Bar since they were created.
“Everybody smiles and chuckles at the cocktails …especially at the Boris which sports a lemon rind for his blond mop, but Ken’s sales have soared as the mix is closest to Londoners’ taste.”
Ken might be ahead at the bar but after recent electoral polls it’s unlikely Boris will feel that shaken.
Come and register your vote and imbibe your political persuasion at the Spectrum Bar where Ken, Boris, Brian and Sian are selling at £7.95.