In true What’s Katie Doing style I’ve pulled together my gin guide to London Cocktail Week 2018. This year it’s back and promises to be bigger and better than ever!
Photo credits, Drink Up London
*Full disclosure, as an gin blogger I get a free trade pass to London Cocktail Week, I have not been sponsored to write this post, I just love Cocktail Week ever since I volunteered to help out in 2014!*
Gin guide to London Cocktail Week 2018 1-7 October
Cocktail village
The cocktail village is open from Wednesday 3rd October and is in a new site in the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. You get free access to the cocktail village with your LCW digital pass on your phone. Gin brands that will be showcased in the cocktail village include:
- Beefeater Pink Gin
- Tanqueray Gin
- Monkey 47 Gin
- Scapegrace Gin
- Kyrö Distillery Company
- Bareksten Gin
- Greenall’s Wild Berry Gin
AND MORE!
But what about the events? Well I’ve trawled through them for you and pulled out a few highlights.
Gin events worth checking out this LCW:
Four Pillars X Discount Suit Company
Four Pillars gin is throwing a party at one of the best cocktail bars in the city! Watch out as Discount Suit Company is a small venue, so you’ll want to get there early to get your hands on the Four Pillars special cocktails! For one night only, 2nd October from 7-midnight.
(If you miss this you can also book for the Four Pillars Red Snapper Brunch tour.
Glasshouse Residence
Bombay Sapphire Glasshouse Project is taking up residence at The Napoleon Hotel to offer a sensory drinking experience. 3-5 October 6pm.
Ham Yard Hotel & Diageo World Class
Ham Yard Hotel is hosting a series of pop-up masterclasses on its private roof terrace (dress warmly if it’s cold!) Monday night is Tanqueray 10 night, but a different spirit features each evening through to Friday.
Hendrick’s Gin Tini Martini Bar
Small is good right? Hendricks are throwing a 3 night celebration of the martini. You need to read the full blurb, but basically this sounds amazing and weird at the same time! 3rd-5th October.
The craft of compounding at Ableforth’s Tubbery
Join the Ableforth team at their Tubbery pop-up bar to discover the craft process that is key to making Ableforth’s Bathtub gin. You’ll use this unique method to create your very own craft compounded gin. 3rd to 6th October.
Special mention to the gin cocktail of the moment: The Negroni!
Cocchi’s Negroni Journey
Learn all about the Negroni, the classic Italian aperitivo cocktail, equal parts Gin, Vermouth and Bitter Campari. Various times 6th October, pre-booking required.
The Schweppes Flavour Adventure
Head on up the London Eye for a special adventure through flavour with Schweppes. You’ll be treated to a three-part journey to discover new cocktail creations and experience the sights of London through the eyes of Jacob Schweppe – the original alchemist and creator. Tickets include a 30 minute ride on the London Eye, mixology demonstration and drinks tastings in the London Eye VIP lounge and entry to London Cocktail Week village. Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th October, 11am to 6pm
Will it look like this? Maybe!
The Light House
The London Essence Company unveils an immersive journey exploring the essence of light…. Every evening will have a different industry-leading bartender, crafting low-calorie cocktails using London Essence’s tonics, gingers and sodas. From 1st to 6th October.
Sip, Snack and Serve at Little Bat
This Belsazar vermouth take over of Little Bat means you can sample delicious vermouth cocktails each paired with a snack. They have a special tasting of the whole Belsazar range on the Tuesday too!
Grand Marnier presents a touch of rouge at Oriole Bar
Not only will there be a special menu of Grand Marnier cocktails, but there will be entertainment too! Guests will be treated to a contemporary dance performance at 9pm, and the bar is open for cocktails from 6pm. Reservations are a must for this event on 2nd October.
Diplomatico’s Multisensory Mystery Tour
This multisensory tour will take you through the Dipolmatico range of rums. I did something similar with Zacapa at LCW 2014 and it was amazing, so if this is anything like it, I would recommend it! Various times 5th October.
Smoke
Come and discover how smoke can be used in food and drinks. Stef Holt & Gaby Moncada will take you on a journey pairing smoky whiskies with smoky mezcals and smoked food, before rounding the night off with smoked cocktails. Various times 6th October.
London Cocktail Week passes cost £10 and get you £6 festival cocktails at 300 of London’s bars and access to the Cocktail Village in Brick Lane.
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