Celebrating the city’s revered reputation as a global capital of cocktail culture, London Cocktail Week will return from 9-19 October 2025. The immersive takeover is one of the world’s greatest celebrations of all things cocktails, which sees London’s greatest bars – from Shoreditch speakeasies to five-star saloons – shake and stir their best serves. Whether you fancy learning more about gin in an expert-led masterclass, or sampling new concoctions in opulent surrounds, here are the best things to do during London Cocktail Week. 

Curated tours and the Connoisseur’s Collection

The centrepiece of London Cocktail Week is a programme of exclusive experiences at a handful of the capital’s most prestigious bars. From 9-19 October, the Connoisseur’s Collection, curated by Anna Sebastian, brings one-of-a-kind experiences to London’s most exclusive bars. Expect vintage spirits, rare pairings, and imaginative flights, with highlights including the Spy Bar at Raffles serving miniature spy-inspired cocktails in its original War Office rooms, and Hide’s Bar Below pairing three bespoke Johnnie Walker Black Ruby cocktails with exquisite petit fours. Festival goers can also sample a selection of Moët & Chandon champagne cocktails for £12 each, available at more than 20 participating bars.

A popular mainstay of London Cocktail Week since its inception in 2010, the Curated Cocktail Tours will see more than 200 bars across the city offer £9 signature cocktails, which have been specially created for the duration of the festival. Cocktail lovers will be able to explore and experience the best of London’s drinking scene by making their way through the curated selection of participating bars, with the signature cocktails available to those who show their festival wristband. 

Elsewhere, don’t miss Bar Queens at Bethnal Green’s Equal Parts on 13 October. This celebration of female and non-binary bartenders from across the world will foreground real stories, inspiring voices and top notch hospitality, all set to a vinyl soundtrack and Lillet cocktails. On 15 October, be one of the first to sample female-founded tequila brand, Ladydragón, at a glamorous soiree at Mayfair’s Mr Porter – think fire, flavour and fierce feminine energy. Discover the full programme here.

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Sips x Lyaness at Sea Containers, Strand

On 16 October, Lyaness – the bar by cocktail connoisseur Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan – will host world-acclaimed Sips of Barcelona, in partnership with drinks brand Diageo. Ranked third on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and first in 2023, Sips co-founder Marc Álvarez and bar manager Christian Ponziani will present a new menu alongside signature serves. In celebration of London Cocktail Week 2025, this seated-only experience highlights the elegant, technically brilliant craft of both bars, paired with the high-touch service that makes Sips one of the most lauded bars in the world. 

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Seed Library, Shoreditch

World number seven and crowned Best Bar in South America, Tres Monos will be popping up at Seed Library on 19 October, in partnership with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby whisky. Combining Buenos Aires’ energy, unique ingredients and inventive techniques, bartenders Leila Castro and Araceli Alejandra Ortiz will pepper Shoreditch with Argentinian hospitality while vinyl DJ Nik Weston spins legendary Latino tunes. 

Expect serves like the fruity-fiery Chimi Hendrix, blended with JW Black Ruby, chimichurri, pineapple, honey and ginger ale, the Paloma Porteña, showcasing Tres Monos’ Northern liquor, Don Julio, watermelon vinegar and grapefruit soda, or the La Uatafak, made from JW Black Ruby, Argentinian pear eau de vie, sandalwood, cedron and green apple. You can trust they’ll help close London Cocktail Week in true Seed Library style. 

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Dante at Claridge’s Restaurant, Mayfair

Following a hugely successful summer residency, Dante has extended its collaboration with Claridge’s until the end of December, bringing the vibrant spirit of downtown Manhattan to the heart of Mayfair throughout autumn. Just in time for London Cocktail Week, the team behind World’s Best Bar in 2019 has whipped up a Martini Hour, featuring a show-stopping caviar martini that’s only available from 9-19 October. The cocktail includes Grey Goose Altius, toasted rye, white peppercorn, Dolin Blanc and bitters, topped with a dollop of caviar for a more savoury tipple. 

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The NoMad, Covent Garden

The NoMad is getting into the party spirit during this London Cocktail Week as it gears up to host three special events. Hosted at both its bars, Side Hustle and Common Decency, a launch party on 9 October will see Iichiko Shochu bring nine incredible bars from across the globe under one roof. Expect world-class cocktails from Kumiko, Bar Goto, 28 Hong Kong St, Bar Trench, Katana Kitten, Jewel of the South and more. 

On 14 October, Mr Lyan will take over Side Hustle for one night only with the help of his award-winning Washington DC-based bar. Finally on 15 October, acclaimed bartender Greg Buda will host the UK launch of Mezcal Del Suelo, spotlighting sustainability and innovation in agave spirits.

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Gillray’s at London Marriott Hotel County Hall, Westminster

Gillray’s Bar is home to one of London’s most impressive gin collections numbering more than 100 bottles, including its own house blend, alongside incredible views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. During London Cocktail Week, menu highlights include the Imperialist – a regal blend of Monkey 47 gin, chambord, vanilla syrup, lemon juice, and a splash of English sparkling wine – and the Golden Margarita: a smooth, subtly sweet twist on the classic made with Código Blanco tequila, lemon juice, honey syrup, and a dash of salt.  

Throughout the week, Gillray’s will also host a series of exclusive gin masterclasses in partnership with Monkey 47. Held in a private dining room, each intimate session invites guests to craft two signature Monkey 47 cocktails at individual stations, with a welcome drink on arrival and a cocktail kit to continue the experience at home. 

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Booking Office 1869 at St Pancras London, King’s Cross

Housed in King's Cross station’s original 19^th-century ticket hall, Booking Office 1869 blends old-world elegance with contemporary flair. For London Cocktail Week, the bar team has curated a limited-edition menu, featuring the Crossfire Elixir – a bold fusion of Rooster Rojo Tequila, mezcal, red vermouth and bitters, finished with an orange twist and a hint of smoke – and the Golden Orchard, a bright blend of vodka, lemon, Italian bitters and peach liqueur, elegantly topped with an edible flower. Those going sober for October needn’t feel left out; enjoy the non-alcoholic Berry Bloom, which combines blackberry, Seedlip Garden, citrus and non-alcoholic prosecco for a vibrant, garden-inspired finish. Chin-chin. 

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