To paraphrase Samuel Johnson, a man who is tired of London Cocktail Week has never been, is a teetotaller who loathes seeing others having fun, or a pro-am miserabilist.
From October 3rd-9th the metropolis becomes the global hub for all the wonder, creativity, innovation and downright joy the best of cocktails can bring.
Bigger and better than ever, the absurdly talented (and still stunt-livered) wonders at Drink Up London have opened up the best stocked virtual rolodex of exceptional venues, bar legends and parties known to man, and kindly invited all of us for the week.
For the uninitiated, as well as a hub of boozy wonder every day at their vast Spitalfields hub, the best bars and brands come together for bespoke cocktails, masterclasses and parties for consumers and industry alike.
Procure a wristband for £10 and the city is yours; £5 cocktails in all partnering bars, access to the hub and myriad events all day, every day through to late-night revelry at its most wondrous.
At Old Spitalfields tMarket here’s more interactive fun and knowledge than you could shake a number of sticks at, including Edinburgh legends Señor Scoop’s incredible alcoholic ice creams (as part of Reyka’s Wild Garden of Frozen Delights), and tacos, tequila and hip-hop heaven via El Cartel amongst the wonder at literally every slightly tipsy turn.
Pop-up and events wise, as with all else planned it’s the tip of the perfectly formed ice-cube to single anything out, but Sauvage’s Classics with Classics has a focus on seminal trainers and drinking, which is pretty much a match made in heaven. Thursday’s Spirit of Tiki will be riotous in the best possible way, The Woodford Alliance includes some incredible bars , Callooh Callay host The Clumsies from Athens and #LoveScotch at World Class House is one of those breathing new life into the Water of Life.
Bars wise Seven Tales at Sosharu, Bourne & Hollingsworth, Artesian, White Lyan, Joyeux Bordel and Peg + Patriot are merely a few of the exceptional venues all across the city to savour and enjoy every evening.
London Cocktail Week is created with genuine camaraderie, passion and vision and is much more than the sum of its parts; it’s a chance to discover the new, reacquaint with old favourites and drink better.
Click here to buy your pass and here to find the full range of wonder at Spitalfields all week.