Learn & Taste: Top Events at London Cocktail Week
I love London and I love cocktails so this week I couldn’t ask for more. London Cocktail Week takes place from the 7th to the 13th of October. When it was launched in 2010, London Cocktail Week was created as a trade show but I guess because Londoners have a real passion for tasting and enjoying the most amazing cocktails on Earth, the festival is now open to everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert mixologist or just a cocktail lover looking for flavor inspiration for your next friend reunion; the city will keep you busy. For those ready to taste new recipes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it may be worth purchasing a London Cocktail Week wristband- it costs £10 but it will let you have cocktails for only £4.
Once you get the wristband, make sure you don’t miss these cocktail events:
The Art of Hospitality: Tips from the poshest bar in London
You’ve seen the glitzy Ritz Hotel in the movies, now it’s time for a visit. At this seminar Luis Simoes, head bartender at The Ritz Hotel London will explore the finest elements of hospitality. This is the perfect occasion to see what’s going on behind all of those posh bars in the city. And it’s free!
Wednesday 9, Time: from 2-3pm, Price: Free
Location: BBFB pop-up, 69 Neal Street, London
Monkey Shoulder’s DIY Drinks Kitchen: Mix it up!
Entry is free and there you will be able to put your cocktail skills to practice by getting your hands dirty along with other various cocktail lovers. Prepare yourself for an epic cupboard raid!
From Monday 7th to Sunday 13th, Time: 12.00-22.00, Price: Free
Location: Monkey Shoulder DIY Drinks Kitchen, 53 Monmouth Street, London
Simplexity: What makes a cocktail simple?
What is it about simple cocktail combinations such as the Martini? This trade seminar will be led by Tristan Stephenson, co-founder of Fluid Movement and Claire Smith, head of spirit creation and mixology for Belvedere Vodka. The pair will give you the key to transform simple ideas into great and successful concepts.
Friday 11, Time: from 2-3pm, Price £10
Location: Belvedere Martini Bar, 38 Earlham Street, London
Chemistry of Cocktails: What’s behind a Mojito?
This interesting food seminar, led by Steve Pearce, CEO of Omega Ingredients, will be a great occasion for the most curious of minds to find out what is behind the magic of the classic Bloody Mary. Apparently, Pearce was once asked by NASA to create “the smell of space”! It looks promising…
Friday October 11, Time: 19.00-20.30, Price £12
Location: Hendrick’s Carnival of Knowledge, 33 Fitzroy Square, London
If you are visiting London and only have time for one or two drinks- Yes, it is true that the city houses more venues rather than cocktail bars- these are my favorite venues to remember London, in only one drink!
The Experimental Cocktail Club: The French revolution in China Town
Few places in London have such chic & retro charm like The Experimental Cocktail Club has. First of all, you’ll have to look closely to find the entrance in the middle of China Town. Once you get in, you will easily transport yourself into the 1920s French scene. Cocktails cost around £12 but probably when tasting their famous Habana you’ll surely believe they are the best in town! Without a doubt, the most sophisticated and romantic bar I’ve ever visited in London. If you are travelling to the British capital with your partner, you can’t miss it!
13A Gerrard Street, London
Barrio Central: Mojitos in the heart of Soho
It’s along with Barrio North (Angel tube station) one of the very latino corners in London. From Coronas to happy Mojitos and Caipirinhas, this venue in the heart of Soho will offer you crazy nights and delicious cocktails while listening to Cuban and South American classics…Apart from the drink menu, Barrio Central will encourage you to return, thanks to the staff and the great décor.
6 Poland Street, London
Freuds Cocktail Bar: Creative cocktails
Between Holborn and Covent Garden, Freuds Bar is one of those places you have to go at 6pm on a Saturday in order to get a seat. From the classic French Kiss to the Holy Freud Lemonade– this contains vodka, lychee, lemonade and elderberry- this bar has a huge list of unique cocktails. For years, it has been well known among the Arts Student Community. Creative cocktails for creative people…
198 Shaftesbury Avenue, London
Getting here
All these little cocktail paradises are based in central London. If you are looking for accommodation you can compare over 600 hotels in London with Hotel Club. For checking transport connections and planning your cocktail journey have a look at the latest updates on the Transport for London site. For those who can’t visit the city on these dates, don’t worry. Rumfest –something very similar, this time for rum lovers- will be running from the 13th October. Because London is all about drinks…
Marta Lopez
@Martazepol
Written by Guest Author
Posted: October 8, 2013