Old Spitalfields Market has been transformed into a massive cocktail bar where every conceivable concoction and potion is on offer. London Cocktail Week is in full swing and with a LCW wristband, cocktails in over 275 bars cost just a fiver – all week-long. Wristbands cost £10 and are available at Spitalfields and from the World Class Hub in Soho. With the band you get a guide-book which details where to find the bars taking part and all those wonderful cocktails on offer.
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I went on Tuesday night with Mr and there was such a great buzz, the alcohol may have had something to do with it.
Here’s a quick round-up of the stands we visited and the cocktails we tried.
Tia Maria
The Tia Maria stand is where you’ll find the silent disco, great fun when slurping on a chilli infused Tia Maria Martini. There’s a salted caramel offering which I plan to try before the week’s out.
House of Peroni
The HoP aren’t taking part in the discounted cocktails but for £7 the Peroni Negroni is well worth a try. Peroni, Gin, Campari and Martini, served in a wine glass, with a large wedge of pink grapefruit. Surprisingly, each of the ingredients can be tasted with each sip. Expect this and more when the House of Peroni opens its Brick Lane residency on 29th October.
Mission
Using Tarquin’s Gin and Pastis, Marcis Dzelzainis’ unique cocktails are on offer here from the Marshmallow Punch but my particular favourite was the Army and Navy.
Smith & Sinclair’s Edible Alcohol
If you prefer your alcohol in a sweet, then seek out Smith and Sinclair who are putting their booze-fuelled pastilles on a stick, so moreish you’ll want a box.
Art of Blending with Chivas Regal
Chivas have selected and blended whiskies since 1801 and their stand here means you can have a go yourself. Book ahead for a bargainous £15 (and 75p booking fee) and leave with your own blend. As I write there are still tickets left for a few sessions from Friday 9th October. Book here.
Pococello Ape Van
Love Limoncello? Love Pococello. This is the latest offering from Chase UK, who have worked together with the Pizza Pilgrims and Terrone Coffee Roasters. It’s made with lemons from Amalfi and it’s here you can sample the liqueur in ice-cold shots and Pococello Granitas. Play throw the rind ring around the bottle to win a prize, the yellow hat doesn’t help but adds to the drunken humiliation – this chap came near but yet so far!
Maverick Drinks & 46 & Mercy
Maverick Drinks has joined forces with 46 & Mercy and the cocktails are all designed around Maverick craft spirits. Don’t expect the same drinks twice as each day there’s a different menu. A perfect excuse for a return visit.
Broker’s Gin
Has a super cool stand, adorned with bowler hats, in what was once a Land Rover Defender. We didn’t get to sample any of the drinks on offer, the queue was way too long but I loved the menu.
Fever Tree Disco Bar
Arrive early to dress up and have your picture taken in the marvellous art deco airstream but not before ordering a Prohibition Cocktail – the Tom Collins was divine. This is the Fever Tree showcase and all the cocktails on offer feature their mixers. Mr had something with ginger beer in it, by this time we were a little squiffy it has to be said.
Ghost Vodka
If you’ve got a day off, pop along to this stand for an afternoon tea of cocktails, served in teapots with vodka jam scones and cupcakes. If you choose the evening, there’s plenty of mixing going on
Nana Fanny’s
Soak everything up with a Nana Fanny’s salt beef bagel. You can just about get your chops around it, there’s so much in it from the succulent salt beef, pickles, cabbage, cheese and toasted bread.
London Cocktail Week ends on Sunday. For a full list of what’s inside the London Cocktail Village, visit the website.
Old Spitalfields Market , 16 Horner Square, Spitalfields, London, E1 6EW – nearest tube Liverpool Street.
