Paddick ahead in hotel’s straw poll
BRIAN Paddick may be a distant third in the race to be Mayor of London but the Lib Dem candidate can take solace in the fact that he’s edging to victory in one key electoral contest – at the bar of the Corinthia Hotel London.
Staff at the Charing Cross hotel have been doing their bit for democracy by creating three cocktails – each using ingredients that “reflect the interests, principles and personalities of the contenders” – and inviting drinkers to cast their vote.
Until 3 May the public can sample a “Jolly Johnson”, which mixes Asian Arrack liqueur, plum vodka and a twist of lemon designed to remind voters of the Conservative’s “tousled tresses”.
Alternatively a “Flying Livingstone” is based around the candidate’s preferred tipple of whisky with a kick offered by the addition of grapefruit juice and orange bitters.
But the Lib Dem-influenced “Stormy Brian” has proved to be the most popular with its blend dark spiced rum and ginger beer – as well as a dash of Pimento liqueur to remind drinkers of Paddick’s time on “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here”.
But whether this rare Lib Dem poll lead can be translated into a surprise victory in tomorrow’s election remains to be seen.