STAGECRAFT

Stagecraft looks at what goes on behind the scenes at Wembley Stadium and the individuals who make it the world's greatest stadium. This month, ahead of the festive season, we had the joy of sitting down with Seth Tyler, Hospitality Beverage Manager at Wembley Stadium.

Here's the latest issue of Stagecraft

Johnny Nelson

Seth Tyler

Hospitality Beverage Manager at Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium offers a variety of beverages to everyone who attends an event, but what if you want to elevate your experience? Above the tunnels and dugout, where the players make the famous trophy walk, you will find the One Twenty Lounge. Named after the limited membership spaces available, this is the most exclusive area inside the Stadium. Inside this luxury space, you will be served crafted cocktails that will transform your matchday into something truly memorable.

Seth, why does Wembley Stadium have cocktails?

The One Twenty Lounge is the pinnacle of exclusivity within Wembley Stadium, and I wanted the drink offer to reflect that. While there have always been cocktails in this space, I wanted to elevate the offer to reflect One Twenty's sophistication and prestige and Wembley itself. They are just drinks at their core, but I infuse a bit of the luxury of this space into each one. It's about creating an experience and atmosphere that our guests can't get elsewhere. I think we have managed to create a diverse selection here that is curated to match the world-class experiences that define Wembley.

What was your decision process when curating this cocktail list?

I crafted this cocktail list to showcase a range of flavours and styles. I wanted to provide innovative creations that would excite our members and their guests but ground the whole thing with well-known classics and flavours. For those looking for a bit of adventure, there is the Gardeners tipple with Belvedere, cucumber syrup, and fresh thyme and mint, or the Sailor's Parlay, which combines Bacardi rum, Luxardo liqueur and Velvet Falernum with fresh lime. Everything is underpinned by classic flavours – the Passion and Arms combines the well-known flavours of a passionfruit Martini with Laurent-Perrier champagne; the Smokeshow combines premium Scottish whisky and liqueur with French cognac to create a sumptuous luxury that is still familiar and close to home.

What makes these cocktails exclusive to Wembley Stadium?

The exclusivity of the One Twenty cocktails comes from a commitment to using premium ingredients and careful preparation. I was deliberate in choosing high-end spirits like Hendrick's Gin and Laurent-Perrier champagne and unique ingredients like Madagascan Vanilla, fresh thyme, or cucumber syrup and combining them in unique ways that reflect the One Twenty Lounge's high standards. Even our alcohol-free offerings, like the Berry Rush Mocktail, are crafted with attention to quality, so every guest feels part of the elevated experience.

How does this cocktail list connect to Wembley Stadium?

This cocktail list draws inspiration from Wembley's energy and iconic reputation, with each drink embodying the Stadium's spirit. For instance, the Fancy Smash and Elderflower fix brings a fresh and lively energy that reflects the Stadium's vibrancy. For something more intense, The Smokeshow offers a smoky, spirit-forward profile that mirrors Wembley's sophisticated yet bold appeal. Each cocktail enhances the Stadium's dynamic atmosphere, ensuring guests experience Wembley's energy in every sip.

Why did you refresh the cocktail list and make it bespoke for the One Twenty Lounge after several years?

After years of using a familiar menu, we decided to reinvigorate the cocktail selection to meet the evolving tastes of our guests. Each cocktail in the new list adds a sense of novelty while upholding the standards of One Twenty Lounge. This bespoke selection ensures guests experience something unique and memorable with each visit.

Now, let's look at how to create these delicious drinks.

Passion and Arms

Ingredients:

25 ml Gin

25ml Passionfruit Puree (It’s very important to use an unsweetened product)

25ml Vanilla syrup (a quality store-bought syrup works well)

100ml Champagne Laurent-Perrier

How to Make:                              

1. Select a champagne flute.

2. Select a beautiful edible flower

3. Shake all ingredients except the champagne with ice

4. Fine strain into a champagne flute

5. Top with champagne, being careful not to let it fizz over

6. Carefully place your selected flower on top of the drink 

The Smokeshow

Ingredients:

7ml Islay Scotch Whisky

10ml Drambuie

10ml Sweet Vermouth

15ml Cognac

20ml Highland Scotch Whisky

5 dashes Angostura Bitters

How to Make:                              

1. Select your favourite whisky glass and chill it with ice

2. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass or tin and add ice

3. Stir the drink until it reaches desired dilution

4. Pour ice from whisky glass, and strain drink into glass

5. Express orange zest over the cocktail and then use as a garnish

You've heard from Seth about his expertise and how to craft two of our exclusive cocktails; now it's time to make your own! If you want these cocktails and more for every event, find out how with a membership at Wembley Stadium.