American whiskey brand Wild Turkey has hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for UK bartenders to show appreciation for their hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The brand hosted the three-course Thanksgiving feast, accompanied by Wild Turkey cocktails, for 50 hospitality staff at Homeboy Bar in Embassy Gardens, London.
There was also a special message from Wild Turkey's creative director, Matthew McConaughey, who dropped in via video link to greet the guests and give thanks for their efforts during the pandemic, which had an especially devastating impact on hospitality venues around the world.
In his message, McConaughey said: "At a time when so many people in the UK hospitality industry have changed their careers, you stick it through and you're still here."
In addition to hosting the dinner, Wild Turkey has partnered with hospitality industry benefits app CODE, to offer 50 per cent off Wild Turkey 101 Old Fashioned cocktails to app members at venues in London, Manchester and Bristol*.
This is the fifth year that Wild Turkey has celebrated Thanksgiving by recognising those who go above and beyond to help their communities. In 2020, the Kentucky-based distiller selected 'Local Legends' around the world to give thanks to, and highlighted the work of UK hospitality industry charity The Drinks Trust.
Sandra Brunet, Campari Group UK's managing director, said: "Wild Turkey is incredibly honoured to be able to celebrate the work of the UK hospitality industry and show its gratitutde to this community. We recognise the efforts and resilience of bartenders across the UK, and are grateful to have an opportunity to celebrate such important members of the industry, to create a moment where we can show our thanks for all of their hard work in true Wild Turkey style."
* The offer of 50 per cent off Wild Turkey 101 Old Fashioneds for CODE app members runs from 21 November to 14 December and is redeemable on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays at the following venues:
26 November 2021 - Bethany Whymark