Love your cocktails as much as we do? Then you’ll love Birmingham Cocktail Weekend! Whether you like them shaken or stirred, this three-day event celebrates the very best of the city’s cocktail scene.
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Birmingham Cocktail Weekend officially kicks off when the first venue opens on Friday July 8 and runs right through until the last one closes on Sunday July 10. It’s easy to join in; simply buy a wristband to access a £5 signature cocktail at every participating bar and restaurant (drinking responsibly, obvs).
The great news is your wristband is valid for the whole weekend, so you can dip in for just one evening or enjoy all three days sipping exclusive cocktails created especially for the festival. Wristbands are currently priced at £10 (plus booking fee) but will increase to £15 once the event kicks off, so our advice is grab yours now! You can buy them online HERE
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
Each venue has created a new and exclusive drink just for BCW2022. To whet your appetite, here’s the low down on the one’s that sound right up our street.
The bar team at Bank haver named their Pimms-based signature cocktail ‘Stick A Pim In It’ (see what they did there!). It’s made with a clever blend of nectarine, melonade, Pimms, lemon juice, ginger beer and lemonade. Sip it on the newly refurbished terrace for maximum summer vibes.
The Canal House has opted for a longer drink, the Loretto Sling – a delicious and fruity combination of Makers Mark, Chambord, creme de framboise, raspberry puree, apple juice and topped with soda. This signature cocktail is garnished with fresh basil and raspberries, and is best enjoyed sat in the Brummie sunshine with those fantastic canal views.
VISIT THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY HUB
First things first, meet up with your mates and start your journey at Hotel Du Vin’s House of Suntory Hub – this is where you swap your e-ticket for your wristband and guidebook. Located in the stylish courtyard, you can sample tipples from the House of Suntory range of Japanese spirits; Roku Gin, Toki Whisky and Haku Vodka.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
There are more than 40 venues to try, from some of the city’s old favourites to the new kids on the block. Each one has been handpicked by organisers and your BCW guidebook includes all their details; there’s also a handy map to help you navigate between them. For a complete list of participating venues click HERE
MEET THE EXPERTS
Fancy learning more about your cocktail of choice, sampling something new or even trying your hand at a craft? You’ll need to book any of the BCW masterclasses and wear your wristband to enter.
Our favourites include:
Taste the Seasons with House of Suntory, Hotel Du Vin: Showcasing Roku, Haku and Toki. Tickets cost £5 with proceeds going to The Drinks Trust.
Jack Daniel’s Masterclass, Chapter: Your £10 ticket gives you an insight into this famous brand and the chance to sample a wide range of its spirits to find your perfect serve.
Get To Know House of Boë, Malmaison: Famous for its flavoured gins and vodkas, taste your way through some statement tipples (no need to book, this is a drop-in event).
Getting Crafty With Maker’s, The Canal House: Join Maker’s Mark Brand Diplomat Nicole Sykes and Strawcraftsman, Ian Speechley in a crafty workshop exploring the world of bourbon. You’ll even get to create your own Maker’s Mark corn masterpiece to take home!
You’ll find more information on the masterclasses right HERE
COMBINE WITH BRUNCH
The Pineapple Club hosts a special BCW Sunday brunch on July 10, from 10am-1pm. Wear your wristband and for £23 you get to pick from two small plates and a side, washed down with a signature cocktail of course. For bookings click HERE
BACK TO THE 80S
Go all retro at Jungle Bird on Sunday July 10 for a one-night drinks and music takeover. The team have revamped and rejuvenated the boldest and brightest 80s disco cocktail classics … think Blue Lagoon, Cosmo, Pina Colada and Singapore Sling and much more. All served with up with nostalgic disco classics. The event is free to wristband-wearers and booking is advised to ensure entry right HERE
YOU CHOOSE THE PLAYLIST!
Enjoy high-energy, request-based live music at Jukeboxers Duelling Piano Bar, where singing along to your favourite tunes and dancing your heart out is absolutely encouraged. All whilst sipping a signature cocktail of course! No ticket required, but you can book online to guarantee entry HERE (£5 deposit to secure your booking)
ENJOY A TASTY TREAT
Make the most of your BCW wristband throughout the festival weekend and tuck into lunch, dinner or snacks at a range of restaurants and bars across the city. You just need to show your wristband at each venue to get your hands on these tempting offers.
Flight Club: Get 25% off pizzas during BCW – there’s also takeaway options available.
Grain & Glass: Enjoy a £6 mini cheeseboard with three carefully selected cheeses, chutney and sourdough crackers.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen: Ten per cent off your bill throughout the festival.
Hotel Du Vin: Get 20% off all food, so fuel up while you’re visiting the Hub.
Jukeboxers Duelling Piano Bar: The team have partnered with street-food vendor Hope You’re Hungry – show your wristband to unlock a special discount (like bao buns for just £5!).
Manahatta: Pre-book a table to get 20% off all food.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill: Ask for your BCW return visit card to get 20% off food within a year of BCW2022.
Sabai: Treat yourself to a nibble or three with three-for-two on bar snacks.
MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT
Forget the taxi home and instead book in for a night or two at the showpiece Staying Cool at Rotunda. As the event’s lead hotel, there’s an exclusive discount for festival goers. Use the code BCW2022 at the point of payment and receive 15% off your stay (valid from 8–10 July, you’ll need to show your BCW wristband). To book click HERE