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Food, Sport, Inside Story

House of Walker At The Birdcage

Johnnie Walker returned to The Birdcage for its third consecutive year, opening its doors to the luxurious 'House of Walker'. VIP guests were invited to step inside and explore the unique characteristics of the Johnnie Walker range across all major race days at the 2014 Melbourne Cup Carnival. The World Loves Melbourne was excited to experience the food, fashion and stylish decor of the House of Walker.

The World Loves Melbourne enjoys a whiskey and particularly enjoys Johnnie Walker blends. My workmates recently presented me with a bottle of Johnnie Walker 21 year old Legends whiskey, to which I was more than grateful. Over the course of the week the 'House of Walker' transformed, taking attendees on a sensory tour of the six unique personalities in the Johnnie Walker portfolio: fiery Red, iconic Black, intense Double Black, celebratory Gold, noble Platinum and deep, rare Blue. We appreciated the range.

We caught up with Fred Siggins behind the bar, Melbourne's best known bartender and mixologist from Black Pearl.

Cocktails, canapés, music and scents changed to reflect the defined characteristics of each personality to ensure guests are fully immersed in the world of luxury that is Johnnie Walker. To reflect Johnnie Walker's prestigious heritage and continuous evolution the 'House of Walker' combined elements of old and new.

Effervescent, colour changing LED lighting was featured in the walls, ceiling and some key fixtures in the bar itself, providing the 'House of Walker' with a compelling glow. (Some other marquees could take note and were rather dark). This was balanced with more traditional qualities such as lavish baroque-style furniture and ornate picture frames. The World Loves Melbourne felt the decor of the House of Walker was a perfect backdrop to the stunning Carnival fashions.

Andy Morley, Marketing Manager – Luxury Whisky said: "2014 marks a new look for the Johnnie Walker marquee as we to bring to life the 'House of Walker'. We are progressing through a new world of luxury and hope to inspire our guests to do the same as they step inside, exploring the unique characteristics of Johnnie Walker."

The cocktail below featuring Johnnie Walker blue with ginger and apple brought The World Loves Melbourne into a world of luxury! 

A host of high profile and influential celebrities from Australia and abroad joined key industry identities in the 'House of Walker' across AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Emirates Melbourne Cup Day, Crown Oaks Day and Emirates Stakes Day, making it one of the most exclusive and sought after destinations in The Birdcage. We noticed several actors and AFL footballers, as well as TV celebs. These days AFL fottballers are showing the way in fashions and how to conduct yourself with style.

Monochromes, lower hems and bold colours were the theme for fashion in the House of Walker.

The quality of the canapes was exceptional and they arrived thick and fast. 

Check out the decor here with the armoured dude in the corner...

Check out the colopurful crowd in The Birdcage. Thanks to Tabatha and Jannah and the crew at AMPR for an awesome job in the marquee.

About Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker is the world's number-one whisky brand, representing the concept of personal progress for the many people who enjoy it in almost 200 countries worldwide, just as it did to John Walker when he founded the business in 1820. A combination of consumer insight, determination and commercial astuteness enabled three pioneering generations of Walkers to grow a small grocery store into an international whisky business selling stylish, globally recognised brands.

For further information about Johnnie Walker, please visit www.johnniewalker.com