When I was growing my up my idea of gin was what little old ladies drank especially as it was the tipple of the Queen’s Mother.

East London Advertiser: The gin masterclass takes place on the last Thursday of every month. Pic: Sacha McCormackThe gin masterclass takes place on the last Thursday of every month. Pic: Sacha McCormack (Image: Archant)

Now as a fully fledged adult I can say gin has evolved and it’s one of the most popular drinks with people of all ages.

If you don’t believe me walk into any decent gastropub and they’ll have such a vast selection of gin you’ll be literally giddy trying to select one.

G&Tea Lounge in West India Quay boasts the largest selection of gins around the Canary Wharf area with more than 180 types on offer.

It has started a monthly masterclass where you can sample three different types of gin and learn more about its ingredients and distillery process.

East London Advertiser: Manhattan Grill specialises in steak from Kansas. Pic: Sacha McCormackManhattan Grill specialises in steak from Kansas. Pic: Sacha McCormack (Image: Archant)

The class gave me a chance to find out more about juniper berries that are the main ingredient of gin and at first glance they reminded me of an unscented pimento seed but once squeezed the wonderful smell of gin came oozing out.

I also learnt that the ingredients used in London gins must be added before the distillery process and the quality of the tonic used in your G&T is as important as the gin itself.

We were encouraged to garnish our G&T with a piece of fruit or cucumber of our choice and we were good to go.

The knowledge I gained was amazing, I really had no idea about all the different gins out there and the different distillery processes out there.

East London Advertiser: A selection of desserts on offer at Manhattan Grill. Pic: Sacha McCormackA selection of desserts on offer at Manhattan Grill. Pic: Sacha McCormack (Image: Archant)

If after your masterclass you have worked up a hunger then you don’t have to go very far as steakhouse Manhattan Grill is just a few metres away.

As a fully fledged carnivore I truly enjoyed my Scottish Aberdeen Angus steak which was cooked to perfection and served with a mouth watering béarnaise sauce, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese and finished off with sweet potato fries.

Manhattan Grill has a very impressive wine list and with a little help from the sommelier I opted for a delicious Malbec which was heavy-bodied and complimented my steak perfectly.

Despite specialising in steaks from Creekstone Farms in Kansas I must point out Manhattan Grill does have a vegetarian menu.

The G&Tea Lounge gin masterclass takes place at the London Marriott Hotel West India Quay on the last Thursday of the month at 6pm and 7pm and costs £20 per person.

Bokkings must be made advance by clicking here.

Manhattan Grill is also located inside London Marriott Hotel West India Quay.

To view its menu and book a table visit manhattangrill.co.uk.