Winchester Cocktail Week is back for a fourth round on Monday 4th February!
Venues across the city are making final preparations to welcome the region’s cocktail fans to Winchester. With a Winchester Cocktail Week wristband, they will be able to benefit from special offers in shops, bars and restaurants and go to exclusive cocktail events throughout the week.
Wristbands are on sale now from Cabinet Rooms on Jewry Street and come with a souvenir guide, to help people plan their visit. Our featured destinations are offering £4 signature cocktails to people when they show their wristband. It’s a great opportunity to try new drinks and discover new favourite places!
This year’s programme also boasts an impressive series of events, with something to suit all tastes.
Monday 4th February -Winchester Cup Bartenders’ Competition, Guildhall
Reyka Vodka Night, Green’s
Open Mic Night, Railway Inn
Tuesday 5th February – Fever-Tree G&T Walking Tour, Cabinet Rooms/Greens/The Westgate
Hendrick’s Gin Night, Greens
Secret Underground Film Society screening, Cabinet Rooms
Bombay Sapphire Masterclass, Incognito
Wednesday 6th February – Tasting of Sugar Spirits, The Old Vine
Cocktail Workshop, St James’ Tavern
Aperitif Masterclass, Cabinet Rooms
Whisky & Cheese Tasting, Greens
Thursday 7th February – Tasting of Sugar Spirits, The Old Vine
Whisky Bar & Live Music, The Stable
A Very British Cocktail Evening, Liz & Fitz
Pub Quiz, William Walker
Evening with Winchester Distillery, Toscanaccio
Gorillas in the Mist, Mucky Duck
Live Audience with the Spitfire Sisters, Railway Inn
Friday 8th February – Cocktails & Competition, Sass and Edge
Martini Masterclass with Winchester Distillery, Cabinet Rooms
Disco’s Revenge, Railway Inn
Saturday 9th February – Bacardi Daiquiri Workshops with the UK Bartenders’ Guild, Cabinet Rooms
Brazilian Festa, The Old Vine
The Thinking Drinkers, Theatre Royal Winchester
Studio 54 Finale Party, Guildhall Winchester
Sunday 10th February – Bloody Mary Sunday Brunch, St James Tavern
Martini Brunch Takeover, Incognito
Festival organisers are advising people to get their wristbands and book their spaces on events quickly as some are already selling out. At the heart of this year’s festival is an #indiewinch trail, sponsored by the Winchester BID IAG, which encouragespeople to prioritise independent businesses when planning their route. Participants can collect stickers in over a dozen independents in order to be in with a chance to win a special hamper of goodies from event sponsors Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands, who are based locally in Kings Worthy.
Festival Director, Gary Whiter, said:
Independent businesses play a leading role in setting Winchester apart from other cities and so we’re delighted that they’re taking centre stage in this year’s festival. We’ve worked with Winchester BID and our creative partner Typeface Group, to make sure they shine in February!
Winchester Cocktail Week is organised by Spirits Envoy and sponsored by Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands, Cabinet Rooms, The Typeface Group, and Winchester BID’s Independents Advisory Group.
Tickets are on sale now for £10 at Cabinet Rooms and online here. In February, tickets can be exchanged for an official wristband and souvenir guide. Wristbands will then give festival-goers access to £4 signature cocktails and discounted entry to workshops, masterclasses and parties across the city all week.
Photo Credit: Winchester Cocktail Week by Adrienne-Photography