Annnnd we’re off! London Cocktail Week is back with 31 days of £7 Signature Serves in 275 bars across the capital*.
But there’s plenty on offer for the trade too, including a fab line-up of masterclasses, guest shifts, launches and parties and let’s not forget the thrill of getting out and about and meeting up with industry friends. See londoncocktailweek.com/trade for your free trade wristband, bookings and details.
Our pick:
What: Tending to the Tenders
When: 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th October, 12pm-4pm
Why: Be honest, who wouldn’t welcome being fed, watered, entertained and pampered in the calm, relaxed setting of Lyaness? Particularly when you can enjoy such treats completely free of charge?
Tending To The Tenders is just that, a space for bartenders to unwind, be pampered and catch up with their peers. As well as the complimentary food, drinks, films and joy-oh-joy, well-earned massages on offer there’s also a series of invaluable workshops.
Each Monday a different topic will be brought to the fore – including mental health and coping strategies and a yoga and meditation workshop. Even better, Nicole Sykes, Maker’s Mark UK Diplomat and the team have sought out people with a hospitality background to run the sessions, so rest assured they empathise with issues faced by the industry.
Where: Lyaness, 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
What: Maker’s Mark x Tayer + Elementary
When: 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th October
Why: Because what’s not to like about a series of unmissable workshops from the award-winning, world-renowned team at Tayer + Elementary?
Each week, an insightful and invaluable theme comes under the spotlight, from the ins and outs of using a rotary evaporator (6th October), and how to upcycle those broken glasses (13th October), to tips on being finance savvy in the bar (20th October) and a fun but practical guide to fermentation (27th October).
Where: Tayer + Elementary, 152 Old Street, EC1V 9BW
What: Heat, Peat, Sour and Sweet
When: 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th October, 12pm-2pm
Why: Join David Miles, Whisky Ambassador at Edrington UK and Marian Beke for this programme of fun and informative sessions. Marian will be showing bartenders how to tease out the intensely smoky, often intimidating characteristics of Laphroaig, whilst highlighting some of the other nuances found in the complex seated single malt whisky by creating a delicious selection of Laphroaig drams and cocktails. They’ll be paired with tropical fruit for an intense and interesting tasting experience, all in the intimate setting of The Gibson, one of London’s most treasured gems.
Where: The Gibson, 44 Old Street, EC1V 9AQ
What: Jigger, Beaker, Glass
When: Throughout October
Why: For a programme of insightful educational talks from the likes of Remy Savage, Maura Milia, Rich Woods, Max Venning and Kevin Armstrong.
Where: Find out more and book via jbgrsvp.org
What: London Cocktail Week Bar
When: Throughout October
Why: For good times. Part of The Essence House, this is where you can sample a full menu of £7 Signature Serves and check out the line up of guest shifts.
Where: Carriage Hall, Covent Garden, WC2
What: Douglas Ankrah Tribute Fundraiser
When: 25 October
Why: This is your chance to pay your respects and raise your glasses to the late Douglas Ankrah, creator of the Porn Star Martini. On the menu: Porn Star Martinis created with Passoa and Grey Goose vodka, with all proceeds from sales going directly to the Ankrah family.
Where: Passoa Rooftop Terrace, Vinegar Yard, St. Thomas St, London SE1 3QX
What: Salon Courvoisier
When: Throughout October
Why: Running throughout the month, the stunning Courvoisier-based cocktails and perfectly paired dishes on offer at Oriole and Nightjar promise to be a highlight on the London Cocktail Week calendar. Entry is free but we suggest making a night of it and booking a table for a guided tour of the Courvoisier cognacs before learning how to create your own bespoke cocktail.
Where: Oriole, East Poultry Avenue, Smithfield Market, EC1A 9LH. oriolebar.com
Nightjar, 129 Old Street, EC1V 1JB. barnightjar.com
What: Welcome to Snake Island
When: 31 October
Why: This is the party of all parties to close London Cocktail Week. Expect Axia Mastiha cocktails, top tunes from Horse Meat Disco, plus very special guests. Strictly invite only.
Where: Chameleon, I Marylebone Road, NW1 4AQ
For all details see londoncocktailweek.com/trade
Highlights from the packed consumer schedule to follow.
*Available with your £15 wristband from londoncocktailweek.com
