It’s the news that Birmingham’s cocktail-connoisseurs have been waiting for: after a tremendously successful launch last year, Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is back in full-force for 2016. Taking the city by storm for the second year running, this three-day event will see participating venues concoct a new and exclusive £4 cocktail, available only from 15-17 July.
Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is all about getting people to step outside of their comfort zone, encouraging them to venture further than their local to discover and experiment with new flavour combinations. This year, the event is bigger and better with around 30 of Birmingham’s best-loved venues confirmed to take part. Island Bar will be playing host to the Jim Beam Hub where revellers can collect their wristbands and guidebooks before beginning their cocktail expedition. At the Jim Beam Hub the weekenders will be able to kickstart the weekend in style, chatting to the team from Jim Beam whilst also trying their extensive range of bourbon. The Jim Beam Hub at Island Bar will be abuzz with music and fellow cocktail-lovers, and due to its central location it is the perfect starting point for the cocktail adventure. Part of the Bitters ‘n’ Twisted group, Island Bar’s sister venues will also be taking part: Bodega, Buffalo & Rye, The Jekyll & Hyde, The Victoria, The Rose Villa Tavern, and Marmalade will all be shaking things up with their signature styles for the occasion.
Once wristbands are in place, BCW attendees will be able to branch out across Birmingham. A stone’s throw from the Jim Beam Hub is the participating New Alexandra Theatre, while just across the road is the newly refurbished Mailbox. With Gas Street Social, Malmaison, Aluna, Bar Epernay, Pennyblacks, Marco Pierre White’s, and Harvey Nichols all taking part this year, the Mailbox is sure to be abuzz with Birmingham’s cocktail-seekers. Venturing across town, Broad Street beckons, with the Hyatt Regency’s Gentleman & Scholar pub, Pushkar, and Rub Smokehouse getting involved.
Moving back towards the city centre, wristband-wearers will be able to pop in to the Edwardian Tearooms and The Chameleon for a pit-stop before continuing into Colmore Business District. Chung Ying Central will be serving up a tasty treat alongside Hotel du Vin and Great Western Arcade’s 1847. Walking deeper into the central shopping area, the city’s well-known bars on Bennetts Hill will be in the mix, with Amantia, Cosy Club and the Lost & Found all joining in the action.
Speaking about Birmingham Cocktail Weekend’s return, founder and organiser Alex Nicholson-Evans said, “After the success of last year, I am so excited to be bringing BCW back for 2016. In 2015 1,500 wristband wearers joined us to explore the city, try new flavours and get to know the brands behind some of our favourite cocktails. For 2016 we’ve got more venues, more fun and more signature cocktails! It’s going to be a fantastic event!”
Wristbands will be available for purchase online from 1 March, costing only £6! Wristbands will not only allow the wearer to enjoy the exclusive signature cocktail in each venue for just £4, but will also grant access to all of the great free tastings, master-classes and exclusive events too.
To keep up to date with all the latest news, follow Birmingham Cocktail Weekend on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and to find out more, visit the website: http://birminghamcocktailweekend.co.uk/.