Bristol Cocktail Week – A Preview

Bristol Cocktail Week is just around the corner so we thought we’d let you know what’s happening.

For many years London was the only game in town when it came to the big bar industry events. Thankfully this has changed in recent years with Boutique Bar Show expanding to Manchester & Edinburgh and towns such as Chester, Brighton, Leeds and Oxford hosting great local showcases. The latest to join the trend is Bristol Cocktail Week happening from 5^th – 11^th September.

According to the Annie Mason, bartender at Hausbar and one of the driving forces behind the event: “Bristol Cocktail Week is the first of its kind in the southwest and consists of seven days of exciting events across some of the best bars in Bristol, showcasing the talent and quality to be found within the drinks industry in our fair city.

Giving you the opportunity to compare some fine cognacs, or watch some of the countries most talented bartenders battle it out behind the stick to create new and sensational cocktails. Party the night away Jamaican style, or kick back and relax with a Martini. With over 25 events over 7 days, this promises to be a week to remember.”

After a look at the list of what’s going on we have to agree with them. We are so excited by the prospect that BarLifeUK will be relocating to Bristol for a few days to check out the events and revisit the great bars that are dotted throughout town.

Below is a list of what is happening and where although they have promised even more events confirming over the next few days so keep an eye on their Facebook page for more info.

One look at this list will show you there are some exciting things happening so why not come and join us in Bristol for a few days, you won’t regret it.

The Rummer Hotel
An exclusive evening of food and cocktail matching (Monday 5^th Sept)
Appleton’s Rum tasting (Wednesday 7^th 4pm)

Amoeba Lounge Bar

• Rum tasting (Tuesday 6^th 7pm)
• Havana Party(Saturday 10^th Evening)

Hermanos

• Bartenders Breakfast (Mon 5^th – Friday 9^th 12pm – 3pm)
• Jamaican Rum Party (Wednesday 7^th Evening)

Hausbar

• Bartender of the Year final (Monday 5^th 12pm)
• Jose Cuervo competition (Wednesday 7^th 12pm)
• Cognac + Armagnac tasting with Corks of Cotham (Thursday 8^th 7:30pm)

Hyde and Co

 
• Single Malts tasting (Tuesday 6th 1pm)
• Bitter’s talk with Adam Elmigrab (Wednesday 7^th 2pm)
• Monkey Shoulder Competition (Thursday 8^th 12pm)
• Martin Millers gin tasting (Friday 9^th 6pm)
• Green Lounge Chartreuse party (Saturday 10th)
• Elixier of Life tasting (Sunday 11th)

Whitelock and Grace

• American Whiskey Night with Makers Mark dipping session (Thursday 8^th 3pm)
• Ketel One vs Hangar One tasting(Friday 9th 7pm)

Awards

On top of this they are also hosting Bristol’s first ever bar industry awards night at Bristol’s newest cocktail bar Milk Thistle (so new it doesn’t open until 1^st Sept). The awards are taking place on Sunday the 11^th and whilst it is mostly invite only if you want to attend message Annie through their Facebook page (and ask nicely!!)

Here are all the nominations – good luck everyone.

Best Classic Bar

• Hyde and Co
• Hausbar
• Whitelock and grace
• The Rummer

Best funtime bar

• Hermanos
• The Woods
• Amoeba
• The Park

Best Wine List

• The Quadrant
• Flinty Red
• Bordeaux Quay
• The Rummer

Best Backbar

• The Rummer
• The Woods
• Hausbar
• Amoeba

Best rep/ambassador

• Dan Waddell (J Wray and Nephew)
• Will Humphery (Martin Millers)
• Russell Jackson (Maxxium)

Service to the Industry

• Dom and Rachel (Corks of Cotham/Flinty red)
• Auri Braunbarth (Hausbar)
• Ian Storrer
• Danny Walker (midnight cocktail club)

Best bar and Restaurant

• The Rummer
• Flinty Red
• Bordeaux Quay
• Harvey Nichols

Best Pub

• Pipe and Slippers
• Kensington Arms
• The Landsdown
• Prince of Wales

Best Beer Selection

• Amoeba
• The Woods
• The Rummer
• Colston Yard

Best Cocktail List

• Hausbar
• Hyde and Co
• The Rummer
• Whitelock and Grace