Over the past 15 years, London Cocktail Week has established itself as a must-attend event for cocktail connoisseurs, with a curated programme of tours and festivities taking place across the capital. And while the ten-day festival – running from 3-13 October – primarily targets consumers, this year will see increased activities for those serving behind the bar.
A number of hotel venues have signed up to take part, including Side Hustle at Nomad, Rondo at The Hoxton Holborn, 8 at The Londoner and Blue Bar at The Berkeley, with each set to create a limited-edition signature cocktail that can be sampled at a discounted price.
Plus, following its inaugural run last year, the Connoisseur’s Collection will also make a return, offering reservation-only events including exclusive tastings to masterclasses led by award-winning bartenders.
Continuing its commitment to support the city’s bar industry, London Cocktail Week will operate as not-for-profit, with any funds generated to be redirected back to the venues.
The festival is also looking to increase its support of people within the sector: earlier this year, the inaugural Futureproofing London Bars event saw operators and bartenders from the festival’s 200-strong venue line-up come together for a full day of discussions held in partnership with The Mayor of London’s Office and Diageo GB, with conversation focused on the challenges and opportunities of the industry’s future.
And during London Cocktail Week itself, the Bartender Knowledge Exchange programme will give visiting bartenders the opportunity to connect with some of the best in the business through experiential learning, talks and back-of-house tours. Furthermore, the event will offer a ‘Seat at the Bar’ – available exclusively to bartenders to allow them to watch their peers at work.
