Bristol Cocktail Weekend returns this week

Bristol Cocktail Weekend returns this weekend, shaking and stirring up Bristol’s bar scene.  Presented by drink and dining experts, Living For The Weekend, with the support of Festival Partner Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the event offers four days of cocktail-themed events, food and a range of signature cocktails and mocktails.

The second edition of Bristol Cocktail Weekend promises to be bigger and better than the first, with more venues getting involved across the city to celebrate cocktails and Bristol’s booming hospitality scene. From Thursday 26 - Sunday 29 September, festival-goers can explore 35 different venues including Blame Gloria, The Botanist, The Colosseum, The Cocktail Club Bristol, Cosy Club, Filthy XIII, Golden Crane, Harbour House, The Lost & Found, Milk Thistle and many more. Cocktail lovers can explore the city at their own pace between Thursday and Sunday, sampling each unique £6 cocktail or signature £5 mocktails.

Festival goers will exchange their tickets for wristbands and guidebooks at The Hendrick’s Gin Hub at Bambalan, before exploring the other participating venues. The hub will be open from 12pm-2pm on Wednesday 25th September for collection, 12pm-8pm Thursday - Saturday, and last minute collections can be made Sunday between 12pm-2pm.

Image: Bristol Cocktail Weekend

As well as an array of tasty cocktails to choose from over the weekend, a selection of venues will be hosting cocktail-themed events. Visitors can head to Hotel du Vin on Wednesday for a pre-event tasting evening, comprising a 5-course French tasting menu, with each course expertly paired with a unique cocktail. On Thursday, Hyde & Co will be hosting a free takeover event with UK Top 50 Cocktail Bar Fox & Chance with plenty of delicious cocktails and all the party vibes. 

On Friday, Death Disco is teaming up with festival sponsor Monkey Shoulder for an evening of cocktails, slushies, prizes and live DJ sets from Ross Wilson. Festival goers can also head to The Raven between 7pm-10pm for an evening of Dominos and Daiquiris with festival sponsor St Lucia Distillers. On Friday and Saturday, Clayton Hotel Bristol is hosting an evening of music and mixology, as Mark Fortnum DJ & Sax accompanies with an evening of classic instrumentals blended with modern DJ mixes. 

Image: Bristol Cocktail Weekend 2024

Saturday will see Harbour House host a Silent Pool Gin Aroma Class, where guests will blend and create their own bespoke scent using the aromas and botanicals used for gin-making, with guidance from Silent Pool Ambassador, Antonio Franzese. The Library will also be hosting a unique workshop, where guests will be invited to create their own candles using the flavours of Scotch Whisky. Cocktail lovers can see out Saturday night in style at The Golden Crane for live music, nibbles and incredible cocktails in partnership with festival sponsor The Busker.

On Sunday, Filthy XIII will be hosting Smash Burger Sunday. As well as delicious smash burgers and a free welcome drink, guests can treat themselves to a cheeky pickle back and a chance to win some Filthy XIII & Jack Daniels merchandise.

To keep visitors fed throughout the festival, a number of venues are offering dining deals for wristband holders. From food pairings at Filthy XIII and Clayton Hotel and an exclusive dish at The Colosseum to discounted meals at Lost & Found, Hotel du Vin, Harvey Nichols, Bomba Tapas & Cocktails, Harbour Bar & Kitchen, Rick’s Bristol and Flight Club, those attending the weekend’s festivities will be spoilt for choice on where to stop for a snack on their cocktail journey.

Image: Bristol Cocktail Weekend

Alex Nicholson-Evans, Founder and Director of Bristol Cocktail Weekend, said: “After a successful inaugural year in 2023, we’re so excited to once again be celebrating all that Bristol’s cocktail scene has to offer. There is so much to do during the festival and so many incredible cocktails to try - people will be spoilt for choice as they indulge in their cocktail adventure across the city.”

Vicky Lee, Head of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “Hospitality in Bristol is unrivalled, and this weekend is a great way to encourage more people to come and experience it for themselves. We hope this weekend sees great footfall in businesses across the city and that it opens more doors for the businesses that work hard year round to elevate Bristol’s nightlife.” 

For more information about what’s on across the festival, including booking tickets for the weekend and the accompanying events, head to https://bristolcocktailweekend.co.uk/.