After the isolated and unpredictable times brought to our capital’s vibrant, world-class cocktail scene over the past few years, it is safe to say, alongside some long-awaited and thrilling new venue openings across the city, that London is once again flexing its muscles as one of THE global cocktail cities of the world.
This October, London Cocktail Week, one of the city’s most keenly awaited food and drinks festivals, is back stronger and more exciting than ever. Moët Hennessy brands Ardbeg, Belvedere, WhistlePig, Volcan, Eminente, Glenmorangie, Hennessy and Moët & Chandon have partnered with London’s best bars to bring a kaleidoscope of irresistible events across the capital, celebrating every aspect of cocktail culture.
Here is just a taste of what the brands are bringing to London’s finest venues during this year’s London Cocktail Week celebrations…
Wild Up Your Drinks with Ardbeg and Marcis Dzelzainis (15th October)
For what is to many malt whisky enthusiasts the definitive Island whisky distillery, Ardbeg is teaming up with bartenders’ bartender Marcis Dzelzainis, one of Europe’s most in-demand drinks experts, for a wild foraging excursion around London’s local parks, explaining how to forage safely and legally on one’s doorstep for ingredients that will take homemade drinks to the next level.
Seed Library x Belvedere Party (20th October)
Ultra-Premium Vodka, Belvedere, will close Cocktail Week with a bang at Ryan Chetiyawadarna’s fantastic new basement bar at One Hundred Shoreditch. Ryan, the man with the Midas touch, is Britain’s most in demand drinks guru and will be ensuring that this one-off collaboration rocks through the night, with groovy 70s vibes, a special guest DJ and, of course, the finest Belvedere cocktails.
WhistlePig Masterclasses with Callooh Callay (13th October) and Silverleaf (20th October)
WhistlePig, the world’s most awarded rye whiskey, will be hosting a masterclass in the inner sanctum of Callooh Callay, Shoreditch’s most popular industry hang-out, led by brand ambassador Matt Uden. Taking place on the opening night of Cocktail week, the secret Jub Jub bar-within-a-bar will be decked out in 80s Punk Rock décor. Guest can expect a welcome cocktail, followed by a deep-dive into all four expressions of this most special American Whiskey. For those with real stamina, WhistlePig will also be hosting a late-night party at the city’s sexiest new opening, the gorgeous Silverleaf, at the Pan Pacific.
Volcan Tequila and Hacha serve up Brunch (15th October)
London’s leading tequila bars Hacha Dalston and Hacha Brixton will be serving up inventive Mexican cuisine, paired with tailor-made drinks using Volcan Tequila. £35 will buy you an unforgettable treat for all the senses, including a specially curated banana dessert, in a Volcan flambé.
Eminente x Wood & Water (19th and 20th October)
Brixton’s Jamaican fine dining-spot, formally known as Three Little Birds, is serving up a range of deliciously creative British and Caribbean inspired small plates with Eminente Rum cocktails. Try the fruit cake explosion that is the Flip 77 with curry goat croquettes and plantain ketchup.
Glenmorangie @ Three Sheets “Wax On” takeover (13th October)
The whisky wizards from Wax On, former top 20 ranked Berlin cocktail haunt, will be invading the Dalston industry darling, Three Sheets, with the help of Moët Hennessy’s drinks consultant Jake O’Brien Murphy. Enjoy ingenious, specially curated Glenmorangie X serves throughout the night.
TT Liquor and Hennessy Cognac (19th, 20th, 21st October)
TT Liquor’s delightfully dingy east end cellar bar will be hosted a programme of tastings, masterclasses, film viewings and DJ nights, illustrating the past, present, and future of Hennessy Cognac. Not-to-be-missed masterclasses start at £20.
Moët & Chandon Champagne Masterclass (18th October)
Robyn Evans, Moët & Chandon ambassador will be taking over Wild Honey at Sofitel St. James to host a magical and comprehensive masterclass. For £50, Robyn will be guiding the fortunate few through Moët’s world-famous Champagne range, as well as teaching them how to make two delicious Champagne cocktails. Canapés will be served throughout. A truly one-off experience not to be missed by any Champagne enthusiast.
Flying Dutchman Moët & Chandon takeover @ Disrepute (23rd October)
London’s most gorgeous speakeasy come fin-de-siècle boudoir, Disrepute has conjured up two traffic-stopping Champagne cocktails for wristband holders, that capture the Parisian, Art Nouveau mood of this beautiful bar perfectly. The genius bar team from Amsterdam’s Flying Dutchman will be on hand all evening to see out Cocktail Week in style, serving up delicious and atmospheric Champagne cocktails.