In this article, you'll learn the following:
What is London Cocktail Week?
London Cocktail Week is an 11-day city-wide event held annually in autumn. The 2024 edition of the festival runs from 3 to 13 October. This is the world’s largest celebration of cocktail culture, so expect a packed schedule of events, masterclasses and tastings, exclusive menus, themed pop-ups, and bar takeovers.
It’s held across the city’s best cocktail bars, and the curated selection includes new openings, hotel bars, design-led spaces, bars for foodies and bars with live music. Whether you’re heading to the festival with friends or planning a romantic weekend getaway, you can find plenty of spaces to sip in style.
How to get a London Cocktail Week wristband
You can purchase wristbands online ahead of the festival or at any of the participating London Cocktail Week bars once the event starts on 3 October 2024.
Wristbands cost £20 and give you access to the exclusive Signature Cocktails at participating venues. The Signature Cocktails cost £8 each and are designed to represent each bar’s unique style and approach, so you’re guaranteed something special wherever you go!
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Highlights of London Cocktail Week 2024
To help you plan your visit to London Cocktail Week, we’ve picked some unmissable events to add to your schedule:
- The Connoisseur’s Collection: One Off Special Editions Tasting Menu at Lyaness. Enjoy an exclusive private tasting with one of Lyaness’ team members, who will talk you through each element of their Special Editions drinks.
- Hand Rolls and High Balls. Experience an immersive Japanese whisky tasting with Nikka’s brand ambassador and learn the art of hand roll-making with UKIYO’s head chef.
- Toki Listening Bar at Archive & Myth. Inspired by Tokyo’s jazz bars, this event offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a curated vinyl soundtrack on a state-of-the-art sound system while sipping rare whiskies and unique cocktails.
- The Green Devil: A Spirited Talk on the Origins and Rituals of Absinthe in London. Explore the history of absinthe in London with Allison Crawbuck, the director of The Last Tuesday Society, during this talk and guided tasting.
- Beluga Vodka and Caviar Masterclass. Nothing says luxury like vodka and caviar, so be sure to get a ticket for this pairing masterclass.
Visit the website for the full programme of London Cocktail Week events. These events are ticketed and aren’t included in the cost of your wristband, so booking ahead is essential to secure a spot.
The best bars to visit during London Cocktail Week
Swift, Borough
barswift.com
Boasting two spaces – an upstairs bar perfect for daytime drinking and a cosy speakeasy downstairs for evenings – Swift is a must-visit during London Cocktail Week. Their three Signature Cocktails are fresh and fruity – choose between the Sgroppino, Sgroppino Royale and St Martin’s Martini.
Address: 66 Borough High Street, London SE1 1XF
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to London Bridge, then walk 6 minutes to the bar.
OXO Tower, Southbank
oxotowerrestaurant.com/bar
As one of London’s most iconic rooftop bars, OXO Tower is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail against a breathtaking backdrop of the city’s skyline. They have two signature drinks for London Cocktail Week made with Nikka vodka and whisky – the Kumori and Kiiro – along with a non-alcoholic option and whiskey tasting experience.
Address: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH
How to get there: OXO Tower is a 10-minute walk from London Waterloo.
Hacha, Brixton
hachabar.com
As London’s only agaveria, there’s no better place to sample tequila or mezcal than Hacha. With a rotating selection of 25 hand-picked spirits, creative cocktails and delicious tacos, Hacha is a fun spot to head with friends. Their Signature Drinks for London Cocktail Week are the tequila-based Bee’s Knees and MM Spritz, along with an alcohol-free option.
Address: Unit 12 Market Row, London SW9 8LD
How to get there: Take the Victoria line from Vauxhall to Brixton, then walk 4 minutes to Hacha.
Bluethroat Bar, Brixton
bluethroatbar.com
This cosy speakeasy is a new spot on the list for London Cocktail Week 2024. It’s a real hidden gem located at the bustling heart of Brixton Market. Their Signature Drinks are the Pomegranate Margarita and Mister Fluff – perfect for those who love a tart and fruity cocktail.
Address: 51 Atlantic Road, London SW9 8JL
How to get there: Hop on the Victoria line from Vauxhall to Brixton, then walk 7 minutes to the bar.
Twice Shy, Kensington
twiceshy.co.uk
Pioneers of experimental mixology, Twice Shy is not to be missed during London Cocktail Week. Set over two floors, it’s the perfect spot for a daytime tipple or nightcap. Many ingredients are crafted in their basement lab, so you’re guaranteed a unique drink here. Their Signature Drinks are fruity and fresh – choose between the Kiwi & Pears or the Strawberry & Bell Pepper.
Address: 14 Hogarth Place, London SW5 0QT
How to get there: Catch the Overground from Clapham Junction to West Brompton, then walk 13 minutes to Twice Shy.
Alma, Covent Garden
almabarlondon.com
Located beneath the Soho restaurant Sucre, Alma is a cosy, 1970s-inspired bar that celebrates Latin American and European flavours. Head here for an evening aperitif and some delicious bar snacks, soundtracked by their resident DJs. Their Signature Drink for London Cocktail Week is the tequila-based El Diaz, along with a non-alcoholic option.
Address: 47b Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JP
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Oxford Circus, then walk 5 minutes to Alma.
How to get to London Cocktail Week venues
Getting to London Cocktail Week is easy when travelling with us. With regular trains to London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction, you can make the most of London Cocktail Week and bar hop around the city with ease.
We offer a range of train tickets along with Railcards and discounts to help you save even more. Discover the different ticket types to find the best option for your journey, including advance, off-peak, Semi-Flex Return and Sunday Out tickets. Travelling to London Cocktail Week with friends? Our GroupSave tickets offer excellent value.
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Looking for a one-of-a-kind cocktail adventure? Dive into Alcotraz: Prison Cocktail Experience, where you’ll step into the shoes of an inmate and join a thrilling bootlegging operation. Or venture into Avora, an immersive journey into a new world where you can explore, savour unique cocktails and make choices that shape the fate of the universe. Enjoy 15% off both experiences with SWR rewards.
