Barcelona Hotel Bar Week (BHBW) and Cape Town Cocktail Week (CTCW) continue to build their cross-continental collaboration with the second chapter of their international bar exchange. The partnership began in September in Barcelona, where Cape Town’s Art of Duplicity took over the Batuar Bar (Cotton House Hotel), during BHBW. The exchange now moves to South Africa, with Punch Room (The Barcelona EDITION), joining the program of Cape Town Cocktail Week this December.
Beyond the individual guest shifts, both festivals share a broader purpose: creating bridges between cities, encouraging cultural exchange, and reinforcing the idea that the global bar community grows stronger when it collaborates. By connecting two hospitality scenes with different histories, influences, and styles, the initiative promotes dialogue, mutual support, and new opportunities for bartenders and venues. With this exchange, BHBW and CTCW aim to send a clear message: collaboration is essential for the evolution of the global bar landscape.
Barcelona and Cape Town, despite their distance, share important similarities: a mix of historic and contemporary venues, strong identities, and communities eager to gain broader recognition. This partnership highlights the potential for more long-term, international initiatives designed to give emerging and established bars a larger platform.
CTCW festival goers in Cape Town can support the exchange by attending the upcoming guest shift, scheduled for 8pm on Friday 12 December at Art of Duplicity.
Bianca Grisolia, founder of BHBW, says, “This exchange shows how collaboration can open new doors and helps both communities grow, learn from each other, and gain international exposure. Connecting these two cities benefits everyone involved.”
Leah van Deventer, founder of CTCW, adds, “Our goal is simple: build bridges, create opportunities, and support the global bar community – and each other! We’re excited to expand the exchange and grow our cocktail weeks, together.”
BHBW and CTCW plan to extend the program in the future, including more bars and additional joint initiatives to support international collaboration across the industry.
About Barcelona Hotel Bar Week (BHBW)
BHBW is a week-long celebration dedicated to showcasing the creativity and relevance of hotel bars in Barcelona. The event promotes international collaboration, community building, and highlights both historic and contemporary venues within the city’s hospitality landscape.
About Cape Town Cocktail Week (CTCW)
CTCW is a week-long, map-based cocktail safari in Cape Town that encourages festival goers to explore the city by way of its drinkeries. It brings together local and international bars, bartenders, and brands and supports community building, education and global exchange.
Why This Exchange Matters
Both festivals share the belief that the global bar industry grows through collaboration, not competition.
The exchange aims to:
- Connect communities across continents
- Give bars new visibility and learning opportunities
- Encourage long-term partnerships between cities
- Build a model that other festivals and venues can replicate