News

London Cocktail Week 2018 Hottest Events

London Cocktail Week 2018 kicks off next week (1st-7th October), for its ninth year running! It’s bigger and better than ever before, so we thought we’d make it easier for you by cherry picking our favourite events that you absolutely need to clear your diary for…

 

  1. THE COCKTAIL VILLAGE NEW VENUE: THE OLD TRUMAN BREWERY (Open: 03–07 October)

The Cocktail Village is at the heart of London Cocktail Week, bringing an unmissable collection of signature cocktails from some of the world’s best bartenders all served up for £6. To accommodate the growing number of visitors to the festival, The Cocktail Village will be at a new location at The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. Running from 3-7 October, this year’s festival pass holders will be treated to FREE entry, giving those with a passion for a mixed drink even easier access to signature cocktails from some of the world’s best bars.

A first for 2018, London Cocktail Week will also be offering VIP packages for cocktail fans to have access to fast track entry to The Cocktail Village, a free drink, and access to special VIP only areas.  Festival passes are on sale now at DrinkUp.London and for just £10 drinks enthusiasts can soak up the city’s delectable spirits, enjoy pop-up cocktail bars, unlimited £6 cocktails, parties and more.

Highlights of the Cocktail Village include The Talisker Voyager boat bar which will be ‘moored’ on site and Monkey 47 which will be providing visitors with the chance to play a real-life board game around London. Armed with a Monkey Map, guests can navigate their way from the Monkey Temple in the LCW Village to four different venues. Four different experiences await with some very special surprises along the way.

If guests would prefer to take their cocktail above the clouds, they can visit Virgin Atlantic’s bar featuring Aviation American Gin, a world first experience where visitors can enjoy a signature cocktail from some of the world’s best bars including Employees Only from New York, Smuggler’s Cove from San Francisco and Mootee from Johannesburg.

The Cocktail Village will also play host to Schweppes who will be working with their masters of mixology to give visitors a taste of their new premium range, Schweppes 1783.

The Cocktail Village | 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QR | 03-07 October | £10 Festival Pass (valid all week)

 

  1. GREY GOOSE CAFÉ LA VANILLE

Discover the exotic world of La Vanille, the latest expression from Grey Goose vodka during London Cocktail  Week. Taking over Barber & Parlour in East London, Grey Goose will be hosting a number of events which will immerse attendees in the delectable liquid, crafted using the finest ingredients.

At Café La Vanille there will be many ways for guests to experience and explore the rare essence of Madagascan Vanilla including Brunch clubs, workshops, exclusive cocktail-making sessions and panel discussions, Café La Vanille will be the ultimate destination this cocktail week.

Grey Goose Café La Vanille | Barber & Parlour | 64-66 Redchurch Street, E2 7DP | 01-07 October | 3pm onwards | £Free

  1. THE WORLD CLASS EDIT

Curated by the London Cocktail Week team, the World Class Edit is a series of luxury drinks experiences at some of London’s best bars, featuring World Class bartenders and cocktails. From delectable dinners and brunches to immersive pop-ups and masterclasses, there will be an array of events on offer.

If you’re after some extra spice in your cocktail, Ketel One Vodka and luxury department store Harvey Nichols have joined forces to launch a brunch and sustainable Bloody Mary Masterclass. Brand ambassador, Kate Jackson, will share her top tips and tricks on how to minimise on waste and incorporate wonky vegetables into your bespoke Bloody Mary. You’ll get the chance to try either three Bloody Marys, three Ketel Spritzas or a flight of martini twists.

If you aren’t able to catch a drop of the Ketel One Vodka action at Harvey Nichols, fear not as you’ll also be able to see them at the Cocktail Village at Ketel One’s Kitchen in Brick Lane Yard. Also, in the Village guests can step into the glorious Tanqueray No. TEN Terrace and marvel at The Tiny Ten, a small copper pot still filled with fresh citrus fruit and chilled down to create an ice-cold mist to add to your cocktails – notably the Tanqueray No. TEN Negroni.

Let There Be Brunch | Harvey Nichols | 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ | 06 October | 11am-12.30pm or 12.30pm-2pm | £30 | Tickets available from DrinkUp.London

Sojourn to Skye with Talker Whisky | Mr Fogg’s Residence | 15 Bruton Lane, W1J 6JD | 03 October | All evening | £Free | Reservations essential from DrinkUp.London

 

  1. JÄGERMEISTER WORKSHOPS

Enjoy a series of workshops by Jägermeister that will invite you to reimagine the complex German spirit. From learning about the art of ice carving and a three-hour urban foraging session around the city, to cocktail courses using inspiration from store cupboard staples like marmalade and everyday kitchen items repurposed for cocktail  making. Jägermeister UK’s award-winning brand ambassador, Florian Beuren, plus special guests including author and forager Andy Hamilton, will take you on an inspiring journey.

In addition to the workshops, Jägermeister will have a stand-alone pop-up bar at the Big Chill throughout London Cocktail Week with bartenders on hand to provide you with a memorable ‘meisterclass’ session. #JagerLCW

Jägermeister Workshops | Big Chill Bar, Dray Walk, E1 6QL | 03–05 October | 2pm-12am Wed, 12pm-1am Thurs, 12pm-1am Fri and Sat, 12pm-10pm Sun | £Free

 

  1. THE LIGHT HOUSE

The London Essence Company unveils The Light House – an immersive journey exploring the essence of light. Embark on a multi-sensory experience where perception-shifting light design intersects with innovative low calorie cocktails produced by a host of the world’s best bartenders, including former head bartender at The Savoy’s American Bar, Erik Lorincz and Master Mixologist at The Connaught Ago Perrone. Guests will be taken on a journey through colour, scent, sight and sound, as they sample a selection of inventive light cocktails, each under 150 calories.

For just £12, guests will enjoy two cocktails in elegant surroundings whilst basking in the unique, interactive light show. From a relaxing haven by day to an atmospheric, beautifully lit bar by night, The Light House offers a lighter way to enjoy this year’s London Cocktail Week.

The Light House | 5-7 Grape Street, WC2H 8DW | 01-06 October | 11am-10.30pm | £12 | Tickets available from DrinkUp.London

  1. HENDRICK’S GIN TINI MARTINI BAR

In a tale of both epic – and miniature – proportions, the unusualists over at Hendrick’s Gin are throwing a three night celebration of the most sophisticated of drinks, the martini – by launching the diminutively delightful:  Hendrick’s Gin Tini Martini Bar.

Each evening will explore how the martini is appreciated across the globe, celebrating how it has been reimagined through a series of takeovers from some of the world’s best bars including Dukes Bar (London), The London EDITION, Employees Only (New York City), Sweet Liberty (Miami), Kinly Bar (Frankfurt), Schumann’s Bar (Munich) and *ISK (Oslo). Expect a journey of unusual experiences – from pygmy goats to microscopic games – as well as the most perfect of perfect Tini Martinis – all delivered through a distinctively surreal, Hendrick’s lens, elevating the artistry and undiluted enjoyment of the tipple, even in its littlest size.

Hendrick’s Gin Tini Martini Bar | Swordtail Studios | 2083 Acton Mews, Haggerston, E8 4DG | 03-05 October | 7pm-9pm or 9pm-11pm | £12 | Tickets available from DrinkUp.London

 

  1. ABSOLUT PORN STAR MARTINI TOWNHOUSE

Discover a unique multi-sensory journey across four floors of this beautiful Victorian building. From a mist filled Vanilla Forest to a bubble filled maze, the townhouse will bring to life the tastes, aromas and sensations of this iconic cocktail.

The final stop on the immersive journey will be the Absolut Vanilia Bar, where guests will be given the opportunity to master the skill of making their very own Porn Star Martini: the perfect way to complete the experience.

Absolut Porn Star Martini Townhouse | 19 Greek Street, W1D 4DT | 03-06 October | 4-9pm Wed-Fri, 1.15pm–9pm Sat | £9 | Tickets available from DrinkUp.London

 London Cocktail Week 2018

  1. THE SPIRITS COLLECTIVE

The Spirits Collective is inviting intrepid drinkers to join them on a cocktail odyssey at TT Liquor, Shoreditch, as they celebrate remarkable liquids from around the world. Across the week, they’ll be celebrating these rich and diverse liquids with a series of in-depth workshops, tastings and hands-on experiences.

In addition to their unique series of cocktail events, The Spirits Collective will be also be taking over the Cellar Bar at TT Liquor every evening from 5pm onwards.

The Spirits Collective | TT Liquor | 17B Kingsland Road, E2 8AA | 02-06 October | 5pm onwards | £14 | Tickets available from DrinkUp.London

 

  1. CELEBRATION OF ALCHEMY

Grand Marnier will be hosting a series of alchemy themed experiences in partnership with two of the world’s Top 50 Bars – Le Syndicat (Paris) and Oriole (London).

Inspired by the unique alchemy of Cognac & bitter Oranges at the heart of the brand, Grand Marnier is bringing together the best of London & Paris with the takeover of Le Syndicat at ECC in Soho/Chinatown on Tuesday and Thursday night, continuing with a “Touch of Rouge” night at Oriole Bar on Tuesday and Wednesday night, blending contemporary dance and the finest Cocktails. The Oriole bar team have created a special menu of exclusive Grand Marnier cocktails – only available during London Cocktail Week – and at special prices for Festival Pass holders.

Cocktail lovers will also have the chance to enjoy a bespoke masterclass hosted by Grand Marnier ambassador Joe St Clair-Ford, to learn about Grand Marnier’s unique alchemy of cognac and bitter orange essence.

The Grand Takeover | Experimental Cocktail Club | 13a Gerrard St, London, W1D 5PS | 02 & 04 October |6pm-3am | £Free

Grand Alchemy Masterclass | Oriole Bar | Smithfield Market, East Poultry Avenue, EC1A 9LH | 02

October | 6pm-8pm | £15 | Tickets available from DrinkUp.London

Grand Marnier Presents “A Touch of Rouge” | Oriole Bar | Smithfield Market, East Poultry Avenue, EC1A

9LH | 02-03 October | 8pm-1am | £Free

 

  1. PISCOTHEQUE AT APPLES AND PEARS

The #Chilean Pisco crew are inviting visitors to celebrate the spirit of Chile with pisco cocktails and a killer Latin  playlist to include Salsa, Reggaeton and tropical beats.

Piscotheque | Apples & Pears | 26 Osborn Street, E1 6TD | 04 October | 5pm-11.30pm | £Free

 

Also!….The highly coveted trophy for London’s best cocktail was awarded last night. A modern take on a classic Pisco Punch recipe from James Drummond (Resident of Paradise Row Bar). It’s worth going out of your way to try this one – we adored it!  

 

For more information about London Cocktail Week and DrinkUp.London, please visit: https://drinkup.london/cocktailweek/

You Might Also Like