THE bunting is out and the coronation parties will get under way this weekend to herald in the new era of Charles III with Queen Camilla by his side.

What could be better than some coronation-themed drinks produced in Southend to celebrate? Echo reporter, Matt Critchell goes on a taste test.

I popped into the Royal Hotel for the Coronation Cocktail, which launches tomorrow.

It’s made up of the restaurant’s own gin, Cointreau, egg white, sugar and finished with an edible flower.

It looks so pretty and tastes even better, with just enough bite from the gin. I am not a gin drinker but it was so light and delicious - I wish I’d had a few more. It was sweet yet not overly so, the delicate flower made for the perfect garnish to the creamy coronation creation.

Co-owner Terry Garrett, 73, told me: “We are the Royal Hotel so we had to come up with a special cocktail to help celebrate the event. We are very happy with it and the team were pivotal in designing it, as you don’t just throw it together you know.

Echo: royal hotel southend

“We are famous for our cocktails and always have been. Our original stamp is good food and cocktails in this wonderful 200-year-old building. I am very pleased with it and am sure it will be popular. My sons who co-own the business helped create the gin and tasted it all. The team have done a great job with the cocktail, it looks great.”