London Cocktail Week - once again extended to the whole month of October 2021 - starts tomorrow. CLASS spoke to the organisers of LCW to get a lowdown on key trade events.
COMMUNITY
Tending to the Tenders | Lyaness, Southbank | Mondays throughout October
Offering a space for bartenders to relax and recharge, featuring food, cocktails, massages, interactive sessions, yoga, and cinema nights.
London Cocktail Week Main Bar | Carriage Hall, Covent Garden | 01-24 October
A pop-up bar in the heart of Covent Garden and as part of The Essence House, featuring a full menu of £7 Signature Cocktails as well as guest shifts by some of the UK and Europe’s leading bars.
Douglas Ankrah Tribute Fundraiser | Vinegar Yard, London Bridge | 25 October
A tribute afternoon to Douglas Ankrah at Vinegar Yard, supported by Passoa and Grey Goose, with all Pornstar Martini proceeds going directly to the Ankrah family GoFundMe.
EDUCATION
Jigger Beaker Glass | Various locations | Throughout October
Jigger Beaker Glass returns for its fourth year of live seminars and educational workshops with a series of Tastemaker masterclasses, looking at what it takes to start trends that become tradition.
Buffalo Bourbon Empire | Milroys of Spitalfields | 01-31 October
A month-long celebration of whiskey and cocktails, featuring special tastings for the trade (kicking off with Paul John) as well as NFL screening parties and brunches.
London Essence Luxury Mixers present The Essence House | Carriage Hall, Covent Garden | 01-24 October
A fully immersive, multi-sensory experience featuring an intricate series of flavour and aroma tests, designed to uncover your true palate profile.
Barley & Beats: A Pub Quiz Inspired By Whisky, Music and Culture | Black Rock Tavern, Shoreditch | Every Thursday throughout October
The ultimate pub quiz about all things whisky, music and culture; hosted by Bulleit Bourbon Brand Ambassador Kirsten Jarin and accompanied by an incredible Black Rock soundtrack.
PARTIES
Make it Royale with Alessandro Palazzi | Callooh Callay, Shoreditch | 10 October
The legendary Alessandro Palazzi will be taking over the lounge at Callooh Callay, serving up his classic take on Champagne cocktails in partnership with Moët & Chandon Champagne.
Discarded Disco: After-Party at The World’s Most Rubbish Bar | The Ditch, Shoreditch | 17 October
With Gypsy Disco DJs, broken mirror disco balls, and delectable zero-waste Discarded Disco cocktails crafted by beloved and celebrated bars including The NoMad and The Gate from Glasgow.
Fernet Branca Barback Games | Village Underground, Shoreditch | 28 October
Bringing together bar teams from across the UK to battle it out in a series of high-octane challenges to win an incredible prize of an all-expenses paid trip to Milan and the honour of designing the 2022 Fernet-Branca coin!
Fiesta No Siesta with Herradura Tequila | El Camion, Soho | 28 October
An after-shift party in El Camion with pink margaritas, watermelon negronis and lots of fun, hosted by Dani Umoette, Herradura Tequila Brand Ambassador. Running from midnight until late.
Welcome To Snake Island | Chameleon, Mayfair | 31 October
A party to introduce Axia Greek Mastiha to the London trade; sure to be a wild ride with complimentary drinks and superstar DJs: Horse Meat Disco and VERY special guest, details to follow.
LAUNCHES
BrewDog Distilling Co’s Brand New Portfolio | BrewDog Seven Dials, Covent Garden | 7 October
The first ever tasting of BrewDog Distilling Co's brand new spirit portfolio of rum, vodka and gin in the LCW Lost Forest bar. Hosted by director of distilling, Steven Kersley.
Horse With No Name | PRICK, Victoria Park | 06-09 October
To mark its recent UK launch, A Horse with No Name has partnered with London’s first cacti and succulent boutique, PRICK, to create a series of unique workshops to master the art of cactus-grafting and cocktail-making.
BARS TAKING PART
Alongside the timetable of events, 275 hand-picked venues from London’s highly celebrated bar scene will be serving special Signature Cocktails for just £7 all month long to those wearing a wristband. Wristbands are £15 for consumers, free for those who work in hospitality and are valid all month long.
Following its successful debut in 2020, London Cocktail Week at Home will also be part of the programme, with a selection of the £7 Signature Cocktails available for nationwide home delivery via The Drinks Drop.
YOUR STAY
Festival hotel partner Sea Containers London are offering an industry-only rate of £150+VAT per room Sunday – Thursday with a higher room rate of £199+VAT for Fridays and Saturdays in October. Please book via your company email address using the code DSLDNC.