London Cocktail Week returns for its ninth year, to revel in the capital’s incredible bar scene and whilst pulling in some of the world’s greatest mixologist for the celebration (Wednesday 3rd – Sunday 7th October 2018). We’ve put together a little guide of the new developments, returning favourites and the not-to-be-missed events!
When
Whilst LCW has in previous years been a seven-day long event, this year the DrinkUp.London official LCW is five-dayer, starting on Wednesday 3rd October and rounding off on Sunday 7th October. However, for those keen to start the party early and don’t want it to end, there are a number of bars that will happily cater for your needs from Sunday 30th September right through to the early hours of Monday 8th October. Check out our Events section below for details.
Price
Entry to London Cocktail Week costs £10 and a Festival Pass can be purchased via the DrinkUp.London app. This gives you access to an unlimited amount of £6 cocktails (£4 for non-alcoholic ones), as well as the chance to pop along to a variety of exclusive free and paid for events, workshops, parties and tours.
The Bars
This year, some 300 bars are participating in LCW. Each venue has created one or two Festival Serves (priced at £6 or £4 for non-alcoholic) that they think best represents their bar, shows their creativity, the team’s personalities, and ultimate passion for cocktail culture. You can check each bar’s drink on their listing online here or on the free DrinkUp.London app – which lets you search for either a specific spirit or flavour as well as the type of bar, the area or the time of day that you’re visiting.
The Cocktail Village
LCW Festival Pass holders are also granted free access to the Cocktail Village (previously located in Old Spitalfields Market) – a pop-up community of branded bars offering up deliciousness all week long. Last year, the Village was met with a good deal of grumbling as festival-goers were allocated timeslots to ease foot traffic. The powers that be have listened to their audience and have this year scrapped the timed sessions and spread the Village across three neighbouring venues – Backyard Market, Brick Lane Yard and The Boiler House. The Village will also now stay open until 11pm each day!
Wednesday 03 October 12pm-11pm
Thursday 04 October 12pm-11pm
Friday 05 October 12pm-11pm
Saturday 06 October 12pm-11pm
Sunday 07 October 12pm-7pm
The Best Events in Town
On-Off Events
Monday 1st October
WORLD CLASS BAR TAKEOVER AT WORSHIP STREET WHISTLING SHOP
The team at The Whistling Shop are inviting LCW punters to sample a selection of WORLD CLASS cocktails from WORLD CLASS BAR TENDER Antonio Naranjo of Dr Stravinsky of the Barcelona Bar.
ADDRESS
Worship Street Whistling Shop, 63 Worship Street, London, EC2A 2DU
DATE
01/10/2018
TIME
All Evening
PRICE
Free Entry
PORTER’S GIN PRE-FIX
Our good friends at Porter’s Gin have a number of great event this LCW. On Monday, they will be serving up some delightfully refreshing Highballs (including the famous Hippy Fizz!) alongside some tidy food courtesy of Bar Hercules, early afternoon Monday to get your juices flowing.
All Highballs £5 until 5pm!
Limited number of drinks, first come, first served.
ADDRESS
Bar Hercules, 7 Greek Sreet, W1D 4DF London, United Kingdom
DATE
01/10/2018
TIMES
14:00 – 17:00
PRICE
Free Entry
BLACKTAIL X SUPER LYAN: CUBAN BAR TAKEOVER
NYC’s BlackTail will be joining forces with the inimitable team behind Super Lyan!
Come along for an authentic taste of BlackTail lush life at this Cuban-style pop up featuring a whole load of tasty drinks from The Havana Club Icónica Collection, plus a few more surprises along the way. Click the image for other events.
ADDRESS
Super Lyan 153 Hoxton Street, N1 6PJ
DATE
01/10/2018
TIMES
20:00 – 00:00
PRICE
Free Entry
Tuesday 2nd October
#NOMOREMOCKTAILS – COYA MAYFAIR X SEEDLIP
Not drinking & tired of fruity mocktails & boring lime & sodas? Then look no further.
You can still enjoy London Cocktail Week even if you’re easing off the booze thanks to Seedlip Drinks & COYA Mayfair.
For one night only, this event will concentrate on flavour & ingredients rather than alcohol content. Serving free No & Low ABV cocktails alongside COYA’s new vegan menu.
Just email ukevents@seedlipdrinks.com to sign up to the guest list.. space is limited so get in there quick!
ADDRESS
Members Club Terrace @ COYA Mayfair, 118 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7NW
DATE
02/10/2018
TIMES
17.00-20.00
PRICE
FREE
BLT – BRAZILIANS LOVE TIKI
Yaguara Cachaca is taking over Laki Kane, bringing South American flavours and colourful vibe-rancy all the way from Sao Paulo Brazil with Guilhotina Bar, ranked in the World’s Top 100 Bars.
Sip on a selection of Brazilian cocktails made for you by Guilhotina’s Marcio Silva in the secret bar at Laki Kane, a tropical escape in the heart of London.
ADDRESS
Laki Kane, 144-145 Upper Street, London, N1 1QY
DATE
02/10/2018
TIMES
18.00-00.30
PRICE
Free Entry
DEWAR’S HIGH BALLER’S – PANDA & SON’S AT THE VAULT
Come and join The Vault crew who will be ‘up to their Highballs’ with the award-winning Panda & Son’s team bringing their own brand of quirk to take over London’s oldest whisky shop and bar.
Expect High ball games, music and fun times!
ADDRESS
The Vault, 3 Greek Street, London, W1D 4NX
DATE
02/10/2018
TIMES
19.00 onwards
PRICE
Free Entry
FOUR PILLARS GIN X DISCOUNT SUIT COMPANY
Join Joe Worthington and Jimmy Irvine from Four Pillars Gin as they throw a party with one of the city’s top booze dens.
Four Pillars and Discount Suit will be serving four fun drinks to help kick-start LCW.
Entry is free but space is limited, so we suggest getting there early to get downstairs and involved in the fun.
ADDRESS
Discount Suit Company, 29 Wentworth Street, London, E1 7TB
DATE
02/10/2018
TIMES
19.00-00.00
PRICE
Free Entry
GRAND MARNIER PRESENTS “A TOUCH OF ROUGE” AT ORIOLE BAR
Grand Marnier invites you to the world-famous Oriole Bar for a special night of cocktails, dinner and an exquisite contemporary dance performance by The Divine Company.
The Oriole bar team have created a special menu of exclusive Grand Marnier cocktails, blending the creativity of the Oriole bartenders with the eccentricity of Grand Marnier.
Inspired by the vibrancy of La Belle Époque era, when Grand Marnier was founded in 1880, guests will be treated to a choreographed and impromptu contemporary dance performance, set on the stage and around the venue; sound tracked by Oriole’s signature live music.
The performance is free to enjoy and begins at 9pm, but you are welcome to join for cocktails and dinner from 6pm. Please note, Oriole offers table service only, so to avoid disappointment, reservations are strongly recommended. To make a booking, please do so via the Oriole website.
ADDRESS
Oriole, East Poultry Ave, London, EC1A 9LH
DATE
02/10/2018
TIMES
18.00-Late
PRICE
Free Entry
HAWKSMOOR VS TWO SCHMUCKS
An evening of double trouble, serving up BACARDÍ cocktails with a side of lols…
Award-winning drinking den Hawksmoor Spitalfields Bar have teamed up with Barcelona’s Two Schmucks and BACARDÍ to host a Hawksmoor x Schmucks party.
ADDRESS
Hawksmoor Spitalfields, 157a Commercial Street, London, E1 6BJ
DATE
02/10/2018
TIMES
17.30 onwards
PRICE
Free Entry
THE DEAD RABBIT IRISH WHISKEY: THE SUN TAVERN X THE DEAD RABBIT TAPROOM TAKEOVER
Following the success of last year’s collaboration, Bethnal Green’s The Sun Tavern welcomes Manhattan’s The Dead Rabbit once more, with the arrival of the NYC Taproom to London in collaboration with The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey.
The Dead Rabbit Taproom Takeover will sees Anna Kremen, Jessica Friedman and Genesis Cruz of the serial ‘World’s Best Bar’ winners team behind the bar. They’ll be serving up a menu comprised of three cocktails hand-selected from their exclusive Taproom by beverage director Jillian Vose menu showcasing The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, which launched earlier this year.
Cocktails on offer include The Dead Rabbit’s celebrated Irish Coffee featuring The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, as well as The Sun’s famous Beer & A Bump, using their Umbrella Brewing Ginger Beer. Plus there will be special guest DJ’s spinning New York- inspired sets all night long.
Beyond the Taproom Takeover, one of the specially created cocktails, The Lone Oak (Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, Green Chartreuse, Pistachio, Fresh Curry Leaf, Lemon & Angostura Bitters), will be available throughout London Cocktail Week, priced at £6.
ADDRESS
The Sun Tavern, 441 Bethnal Green Rd, London, E2 0AN
DATE
02/10/2018
TIMES
18.00-01.00
PRICE
Free Entry
PATRÓN: THE THREE AMIGOS
A RUSSIAN, A JAPANESE AND A GREEK WALK INTO A BAR…
Three bartenders from three of the world’s best bars, take over three bars across three floors in the heart of London. Each presenting three signature cocktails in partnership with Patrón Tequila. Head to one of our favourite London haunts, The Napoleon Hotel & Bars, for an epic party headlined by a top secret international DJ.
Register for a free ticket.
ADDRESS
The Napoleon Hotel, 9 Christopher Street, London, EC2A 2BS
DATE
02/10/2018
TIMES
18.00 till late
PRICE
Free Entry
Wednesday 3rd October
THE ART OF THE MIX, A COLLABORATION BETWEEN ALFRED COINTREAU AND SKETCH
Join Alfred Cointreau, the sixth generation scion of the Cointreau family, spearheading a much-loved 150-year-old heritage brand, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the original Margarita and master the Art of the Mix with Cointreau.
The iconic orange liqueur is at the heart of over 350 classic cocktails including, the Margarita and the Sidecar, so expect a night of surprises and perfectly balanced classics.
Entry is free but space is limited so will be available on a first come first served basis.
ADDRESS
Sketch, 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG
DATE
03/10/2018
TIMES
19.00-23.00
PRICE
Free Entry
Thursday 4th October
THE HIGHBALL SESSIONS WITH NIKKA
The beauty of the Highball is in it’s simplicity. Whisky – Ice – Water – Garnish. It is of course art in itself and an art that Nikka have perfected.
From the Scotch & Soda to the Mizuwari, each highball is similar but sensationally different. Learn all about them and enjoy a few yourself) with Nathan Shearer, winner of Nikka Perfect Serve 2016 as he shows you the art, the ceremony and the variations whilst also introducing you to the power of the Coffey Still.
ADDRESS
TT Liquor, 17B Kingsland Rd, London, E2 8AA
DATE
04/10/2018
TIMES
18.30-20.00
PRICE
£14. Book here.
THE GRAND TAKEOVER: LE SYNDICAT (PARIS) X ECC (LONDON)
Inspired by the unique alchemy of Cognac & bitter Oranges at the heart of the brand, Grand Marnier invites you to elevate your Cocktail experience by bringing together the best of London & Paris with the takeover of Le Syndicat X ECC.
One of our top Parisian bar, Le Syndicat, takes over London’s Experimental Cocktail Club, bringing with them their famous French only spirits menu, urban vibe and passionate young team. The bespoke menu, created by Le Syndicat head bartender Aris Makris, will be served in the bar’s signature surroundings: a low-key urban vibe complete with retro hip-hop playlists.
Enjoy a range of exclusive Grand Marnier Cocktails including:
- ‘The Smoking Car’, a citrusy, smoky boasting a deep rich flavour
- ‘The Last Man Standing in ECC’, dry and strong with a touch of sweetness
- ‘The Grand Marinier, a touch of the exotic, with a refreshingly bittersweet taste
- ‘Juliette is mad in ECC’, the perfect fusion of sweet and sour, with a rich aftertaste
ADDRESS
Experimental Cocktail Club, 13a Gerrard St, London, W1D 5PS
DATE
04/10/2018
TIMES
18.00-01.00
PRICE
Free Entry
OUR/LONDON VODKA: CUSTOMISE YOUR COBBLER!
Why wait? Infusing can take hours?! Well these folks are bringing the kit for you to customise our official LCW cocktail ‘The Hackney Cobbler’ in seconds!
Our/London Vodka is made using best quality local ingredients, all hand-bottled at our Hackney micro-distillery. They’ve teamed up with Hackney bar NT’s for LCW to create the perfect serve and help you make the perfect drink for you.
ADDRESS
NT’s Bar, Netil House, 1 Westgate St, London, E8 3RL
DATE
04/10/2018
TIMES
17.00-19.00
PRICE
Free Entry
ICE SCULPTURING WORKSHOP
This workshop is for beginners to learn the basics skills of fresh ice carving for cocktail serves.
The hour long session will include initial safety briefing, explanation of the ice/tools and then demonstration of cube, diamond and sphere making. Following this each attendee will be able to have a go themselves where they will end by adding this to a Jägermeister cocktail they have made themselves.
Bookings can be made via marketing@jaegermeister.co.uk or book at the Jagermeister ‘Der Wald’ bar
ADDRESS
Big Chill Brick Lane, Dray Walk, London, E1 6QL
DATE
04/10/2018
TIMES
14.30-15.30
PRICE
FREE
Friday 5th October
DIPLOMATICO’S MULTISENSORY MYSTERY TOUR
Think you know Rum? Think again. Join Diplomatico’s European Brand Ambassador Jon Lister for a multi-sensory extravaganza.
Recognised as one of the finest rums in the world. Jon will take you through Diplomatico’s beautiful range of rums, pairing with sights, aromas, sounds and every other sense under the sun! You’ll leave having taken three different holidays, all without stepping outside of East London.
If that weren’t enough to tempt you, you’ll also receive a welcome rum cocktail on arrival, as well as a discount voucher for the bottle shop.
ADDRESS
TT Liquor, 17B Kingsland Rd, London, E2 8AA
DATE
05/10/2018
TIMES
18.30-20.00
PRICE
£14. Book here.
PORTER‘S GIN VS FERNET BRANCA – PICK-UP BASKETBALL GAME
Now, this one’s a bit different…
Following on from a successful inaugural event at Tales on Tour Edinburgh, Porter’s Gin will be hosting its second pick-up style basketball game alongside Fernet Branca during London Cocktail Week.
The game is open to all, regardless of skillset, gender or age. Jerseys and refreshments will be provided as participants jump on the court to have some fun and clear the cobwebs after a busy week.
Teams will be selected on a first come first serve basis. For those not wishing to showcase their skills, there will be plenty of room for cheering on the side-lines.
ADDRESS
CitySport, The Franklin Building, 124 Goswell Rd, London EC1V 7DP
TIMES
14:00 – 16:00
PRICE
FREE
Saturday 6th October
#BETHEBOTANIST: FORAGING MASTERCLASS
The Botanist Treehouse open’s its doors for an exclusive series of private tastings with a foraging twist, #BeTheBotanist: foraging masterclasses.
You will be welcomed with a neat The Botanist Gin before being introduced to the history of Bruichladdich distillery, the story behind The Botanist Gin, and the wonders of urban foraging by Brand Ambassador, Abigail Clephane.
After discovering the edible delights that are growing in the capital’s urban jungle, you will then be invited to create your very own foraged G&T using a range of botanical cordials such as nettle, fig leaf and pineapple weed syrup, alongside fresh plants from the foraging table.
Exclusive bar access will also be available from 4-10pm. Simply register for your preferred time slot and free ticket via the link.
ADDRESS
Shoreditch Treehouse, Charlotte Road, London, EC2A 3PB
DATE
06/10/2018
TIMES
16.00-23.00
PRICE
£10. Book here.
BULLEIT BLOCK PARTY @ NINE LIVES
Nine Lives and Bulleit are hosting the street party of all street parties for LCW! A bar for bartenders, these cats know what they’re doing. Come on down to the outdoor bar to enjoy a selection of bespoke cocktails curated by Bulleit’s Brand Ambassador Jenna Ba.
ADDRESS
Nine Lives, 8 Holyrood Street, London, SE1 2EL
DATE
06/10/2018
TIMES
15:00-22:00
PRICE
Free Entry
COCCHI’S NEGRONI JOURNEY
The Negroni. The classic Italian aperitivo, equal parts of Sweet Italian Vermouth, Bitter Campari and powerful London Dry Gin. But, do you know the real story behind the creation? The story of Count Negroni and his devilish ways?
Learn all about it, whilst also tasting the extensive Cocchi Vermouth & Aperitivo range. From Americano to Chinato, Cocchi has an incredible flavour profile to explore.
ADDRESS
TT Liquor, 17B Kingsland Rd, London, E2 8AA
DATE
06/10/2018
TIMES
14.00-15.30
PRICE
£14. Book here.
MONKEY SHOULDER LCW AFTER PARTY
Head on down… or should be say up… to Jim Bo Law Skybar to experience a London Cocktail Week after party like no other with serious beats from top DJs, live entertainment from Fire Dancers and of course killer cocktails!
Plus you’ll be surrounded by an awesome East London view.
ADDRESS
Jin Bo Law Skybar,, 14th Floor, Dorsett City, 9 Aldgate High Street, London, EC3N 1AH
DATE
06/10/2018
TIMES
18.00-02.00
PRICE
Free Entry
PORTER’S GIN PUNCH CLUB AT WORSHIP STREET WHISTLING SHOP
Porter’s Gin brand ambassador and former Dandelyan bartender Jack Wareing will be jumping behind the bar at Worship Street Whistling Shop to serve up a range of four punches, ranging from dark and daring through to delightfully refreshing. Limited drinks with first come first served, get down early to avoid disappointment…
A premium gin from Aberdeen, the team use modern methods to extract more refined flavours whilst adhering to traditional distillery practices – a modern classic it plays by its own rules.
ADDRESS
Worship Street Whistling Shop, 63 Worship Street, EC2A 4JH
DATE
06/10/2018
TIMES
18.00-00.00
PRICE
Free Entry
Sunday 7th October
JAGERMEISTER MEISTER CLASS
Jägermeister’s UK brand ambassador, Florian Beuren will talk about where this incredible spirit has come from and show in an interactive class how Jägermeister can be used in cocktails. This Meister class is a must for any drinks lover!
ADDRESS
Jagermeister ‘Der Wald’ bar, Big Chill Brick lane, Dray Walk, London, E1 6QL
DATE
07/10/2018
TIMES
14.00-15.30
PRICE
FREE. RSVP to marketing@jaegermeister.co.uk
Longer-Run Events
SWIFT X LICORERIA LIMANTOUR
Acting as a warm-up for the week ahead, Swift will be welcoming their friends from award-winning cocktail bar Licoreria Limantour in Mexico City for a series of guest shifts and collaborative events.
On Sunday 30th September, the eve of LCW, Swift will play host to a Mexican party with a joint menu created by the bar teams, showcasing Olmeca Altos and Avion Tequila. In true Mexican fiesta style a live Mariachi band will be providing the party vibes.
Anyone lucky enough to be able to sneak away from their desks on Monday afternoon will be able to enjoy Mexican aperitivos and free grilled oysters.
ADDRESS
Swift, 12 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TQ
DATES & TIMES
Sunday 30 September | Mexican Party | 6pm – late
Monday 1 October | Mexican Aperitivos | 1.30pm – 4pm
PRICE
Free Entry
STARWARD Whiskey’s Ultimate Aussie-Style, Michelin-Star Dinner Party
Melbourne-made, STARWARD Whisky, has teamed up with Australian Michelin Star Chef, Andrew Wandless, to throw the Ultimate Dinner Party Aussie Style, in association with London Cocktail Week.
Expect laid-back beats, long feasting tables, delicious cocktails and exceptional Australian cuisine. Starting on Tuesday 2nd October and running until Saturday 6th October, the party will be kicking off each night at 7pm with a welcome drink, followed by five courses complete with five STARWARD pairing cocktails, all inspired by the five boroughs of Melbourne.
ADDRESS: 16 Cotton’s Gardens, London, E2 8DN
DATES
Tuesday 2 October – Saturday 6 October
TIMES
19:00 onwards
PRICE
£65. Book here.
Drinks at Home – Perfected by Patrón
Patrón Tequila has announced Drinks at Home – perfected by Patrón. Hosted in a secret location in Hoxton, Drinks at Home – Perfected by Patrón is a three night pop-up with each night hosted by a different award-winning bar team who will show guests hwo to make Patrón cocktails in the comfort of a home.
Each specially crafted cocktail will bring a delicious touch of luxury to the evenings, whilst multiple Amazon Alexa’s, installed with the Patrón Cocktail Lab skill, will be on hand for the ultimate connected cocktail experience. Chill out in the living room or watch the cocktail magic happen in the kitchen, each area of the space will be transformed in to the perfect home to enjoy a Patrón cocktail.
Along with the unique backdrop and great drinks, some of London’s hottest DJ’s on the scene
will be the sound track to each evening, playing chilled and upbeat tracks that will
complement your evening drinks at home.
ADDRESS
Secret Hoxton location to be unveiled to ticketholders
DATES
Wednesday 3 – Friday 5 October
TIMES
7:00pm- 11pm
PRICE
£15 includes 3 drinks and entrance to the event. Book here
#BETHEBOTANIST: THE FORAGERS TABLE
The Botanist Gin invite you to reconnect with nature with its innovative three-course dining experience, inspired by urban foraging and created by some of London’s top chefs and bartenders.
This London Cocktail Week, gin-lovers are asked to ‘go wild’ at The Foragers Table hosted by The Botanist at The Shoreditch Treehouse. The experience includes a three-course culinary tour of wild London, exploring the flavourful finds that can be foraged in the city.
Curated by Craig Grozier, founder of Scottish dining experience Fallachan and in-house chef for The Botanist Gin, the experience seeks to reconnect people with nature to bring to life the ethos behind The Botanist Gin. Each dish will be expertly paired with a cocktail created by Marcis Dzelzainis, drinks curator at Sager + Wilde, Rosey Mitchell, global competition winning bartender from Three Sheets and Robin Honhold from The Lyan Group.
The Foragers Table Menu
The Botanist and Tonic with foraged garnish
–
Octomore Sourdough, Cultured Butter smoked over Wild Juniper
Starter
Aged Gigha Halibut, Elder, Gooseberry, Winter Chanterelle
–
Hunter Gimlet | Robin Honhold | Lyan Group
The Botanist Gin, The Botanist infused Blue Spruce, Burnt Lime & Nettle Cordial
Main
Red Deer, Spruce, Celeriac, Pear
–
Pine-Apple Hi-Ball | Marcis Dzelzainis | Sager + Wilde
The Botanist Gin, Sour Apple, Paradise Soda Co. Pine Soda
Dessert
Green Juniper, Preserved Damson, Cep
–
Foraged Fig Martini | Rosey Mitchell | Three Sheets
The Botanist Gin, Foraged Fig Cordial, Martini Dry
ADDRESS
Shoreditch Treehouse, Charlotte Road, EC2A 3PB
DATES
Wednesday 3 October – Friday 5 October
TIMES
19.00-22.00
PRICE
£45. Book here.
Absolut Porn Star Martini Townhouse
To celebrate the UK’s favourite cocktail, Absolut is bringing a Porn Star Martini Townhouse to Soho this London Cocktail Week.
Open from 17:00 – 21:00, Wednesday 3 October – Saturday 6 October, discover an immersive experience spread across four floors of the beautiful Victorian building, 19 Greek Street, Soho.
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. Guests can also immerse themselves in the zingy centre of the Porn Star Martini in the Passion Fruit Kaleidoscope, created by renowned London-based designer, Fred Butler before entering the final destination, the Absolut Porn Star Martini Bar where visitors have the opportunity to master the skill of making their very own Absolut Porn Star Martini.
ADDRESS
19 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 4DT
DATES
Wednesday 3 October – Saturday 6 October
TIME
Every 15 minutes from 6:30pm
PRICE
FREE. Book here: absolut@ldrlondon.com