As October heads towards us at a speed not seen since gaz regan heard the word’s ‘free bar’ it means only one thing, Berlin Bar Convent is just around the corner.
After visiting Bar Covent Berlin (BCB) for the first time last year I declared it the best bar show in the world, with so many great shows it was a big statement, one I stand by. As a result the pressure is on for them to keep their crown in 2012, a look at the speakers, talks, exhibitors and events taking place this year shows they are not going to give it up without a fight.
The show itself takes place on the 9th & 10th October but with the Mixology Bar Awards on the 8th and Mixology Mag 10th anniversary party on the 7th it is several days of great activities.
BCB is now in its 6th year and has built its reputation on a feature programme packed full of world class presenters from Germany and the rest of the world. This year’s roll call is far too numerous to list in full here but a little taster is below:
Jared Brown and Anistatia Miller, gaz regan, Ian Burrell, Tomas Estes, Jorg Meyer, Raj Nagra, Angus Winchester, Manuel Terron, Dushan Zaric, Jonathan Downey, Dave Broom, Philip Duff and Jim Meehan.
They, alongside dozens of others, will be holding court in one, or more, of the 4 theatres at the show. The Main Mixology Stage, 2 separate Demo Bars and the Taste Forum. After seeing the popularity of these areas last year (and learning this lesson at my own cost) I strongly suggest getting to the talks you want to attend nice and early.
Last year saw BCB introduce a new feature, the guest country section. This new initiative is designed to highlight the drinks and bars of a specific country. Last year Poland took centre stage and this year Mexico gets its turn in the spotlight.
Obviously Tequila will be on show but also Mezcal, Raicilla and the Mayan liqueur Xtabentun. ‘Bar Mexico’ will be featuring some of the country’s leading and more obscure brands and will be manned by the team from Parisian Tequila & Taqueria Bar Candelaria.
On top of all of this there are 100’s of brands exhibiting their wares and giving you the opportunity to sample to your heart’s content (responsibly of course).
All of that and I haven’t even spoken about the parties in the evenings and all of the superb bars Berlin has to offer.
If you haven’t been before then I strongly urge you to check your rota, swap a couple of shifts around, get checking flights and register for the show at www.barconvent.com. If you are going then I look forward to having a drink or two with you over there.
BarLifeUK will be bringing you all the news from BCB as it happens.