Cocktails in the City is returning to Bedford Square Gardens for its Summer Series, kicking off with The Games Edition. Set against the backdrop of leafy Bloomsbury, the first event of the alfresco cocktail festival will bring together the cream of London’s bartending crop, who will be serving their signature cocktails (infused with a dash of spirited competition!) from Thursday 11th – to Saturday, the 13th of July.
Come for the cocktails, stay for the games and celebrate the summer of sports in style as 20 of the capital’s best bars are warming up for the ultimate showdown in one beautiful garden, or should we say arena, for the Battle of the Bars, where bartenders will be putting in their greatest performance to secure the much-coveted titles of Best Bar Team, Best Cocktail and Best Bar Experience.
Each pop-up bar has its distinct personality, working with a different spirit to create elite and unique serves that give a glimpse of trends to expect for the coming season. Some of London’s newest bars including The Royal Cocktail Exchange, Gaia Mayfair, Nancy Spains, and Rhum Tavern will be there, while familiar favourites The Coral Room, Café Pacifico and Hutong all return for another year.
For the first time, Upstairs at Rules, the bar at London’s oldest restaurant, will serve their signature aperitifs in partnership with Showerings Triple Vintage Cider and Thin White Duke are collaborating with a collective of independent spirits to deliver a Japanese inspired menu including the Uguisu.
This summer’s exciting new addition is The Dover Yard B Corp Bar, celebrating sustainable B Corp-certified spirits. Brands participating in the July edition are Nc’Nean, the first UK whiskey distillery to receive net zero verification; Avallen, showcasing its climate-positive calvados whilst saving the bees; Hattiers Rum, the first British and world’s second B Corp rum; and non-alcoholic festival partner Everleaf.
The excitement isn’t just for the professionals; guests can shake their way to cocktail stardom and unleash their inner mixologist with industry legends TT London and their leading cocktail-making classes.
Additional workshops include ice-carving sessions inspired by the Japanese Izakaya in partnership with Sapporo and build your own Palomas with event partner London Essence Luxury mixers and 818 Tequila. Beyond the bar related activities guests can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of garden party games such as Whiff Whaff, Croquet, Archery and Cornhole.
Weave through the smart Georgian terraces to discover a festoon-lit private garden alive with the sound of live music from The Piano Works, slip on some headphones to experience the H.A.U.S Silent Disco party with Vapoura Rum and enjoy award-winning street food from around the globe. Guests can also enjoy a series of complimentary cocktail presentations from international drinks ambassadors at The Tasting Stage, with an insight into flavours, techniques and cocktail making from around the world.
The Games Edition of Cocktails in the City runs from 5pm-10pm on Thursday 11th July, 4pm-10pm on Friday 12th July, and offers two time slots to choose from (midday-4.15pm, or 5pm-10pm) on Saturday 13th July.
On your marks, get set, GO get your tickets now at cocktailsinthecity.com. Each ticket includes entry, your first cocktail, live entertainment, masterclasses and access to all festival areas for £22 per person.
More information about the July edition and highly anticipated details of August and September events
will be revealed soon…
July Bar Line-Up:
Cafe Pacifico / Coya / Disrepute / Dover Yard/ Gaia Mayfair / Henson’s Bar and Social / Hutong / Nancy Spains / Ognisko / Rhum Tavern / Royal Cocktail Exchange / Tattu / The Bottle Cocktail Shop / The Coral Room / The Hoxton / Thin White Duke / TT London / Upstairs at Rules / Zetter Townhouse
Let the games begin!
Address: Bedford Square Garden, Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3ES
Ticket link: https://www.cocktailsinthecity.com/events/london-summer-series
Pricing: £22 per person, including welcome cocktail, live music and tasting sessions.