This summer, Cocktails in the City returns to the historic Bedford Square Gardens, bringing together London’s finest bars for one of the capital’s most anticipated cocktail festival. If you missed the July edition, the festival returns 6–8 August 2026, transforming the private gardens in Bloomsbury into a lively village of amazing pop-up bars. Just moments from Oxford Street, visitors can sip expertly crafted cocktails for just £10, while discovering some of London’s most celebrated drinking destinations all in one place.
It’s a rare opportunity to meet the award-winning bartenders behind the city’s most talked-about cocktails, uncover hidden gems, and enjoy exclusive serves without travelling across the capital. Each participating bar curates a bespoke festival menu, showcasing its signature style through a selection of unique creations. From elegant hotel-bar classics to innovative cocktails from beloved neighbourhood favourites, Cocktails in the City offers an unforgettable journey through London’s thriving cocktail scene.
“If you want to sample the best of London’s world-class cocktail culture in one place then you have to visit Cocktails in the City. We are lucky to have the keys to a beautiful private garden, an oasis of secluded charm just minutes from T ottenham Court Road. There is no better place to be as a cocktail lover in London than this event this summer.” Andrew Scutts, Founder, Cocktails in the City
What we’re excited for at Cocktails in the City
The event features a pop-up village of 20 of London’s best bars, DJ-led silent disco and live music on stage, cocktail masterclasses and tasting rooms, competitive garden games: pétanque, table tennis, cornhole and more. Plus the newly added food village offering small plates from local chefs and restaurants and Hidden Society’s secret bar for guests to find somewhere in the garden. Cocktails in the City promises far more than exceptional drinks.
The Bartenders’ Edit: Curated by industry expert Sam Galani, The Bartenders’ Edit brings together six exceptional venues selected from a Top 20 list nominated by some of London’s leading bartenders. Each evening, guests can enjoy a different live collaboration, offering the rare opportunity to experience the bars and cocktails most highly recommended by the people who know the city’s drinks scene best. It’s an exclusive chance to discover London’s hidden gems through the eyes of the industry’s own experts.
The Cocktail Collectives: A series of curated drinks experiences created by Cocktails in the City. Each Collective brings together leading bars and spirit partners around a shared concept, offering a closer look at the ideas shaping modern cocktail culture, and creating its own distinct moment of discovery within the wider festival.
The Food Village: Making its debut this year, the festival’s brand-new Food Village introduces a carefully curated dining experience, bringing together some of London’s most exciting chefs and restaurants. Among the highlights is Dim Sum Library, the acclaimed Hong Kong dining concept making its London debut.
The Pan-Asian Collective featuring GŎNG, Shochu Lounge at ROKA and SOMA: From Japanese whisky highballs to Southeast Asian-inspired sours, pan-Asian influence is one of the most compelling forces in contemporary cocktail culture. GONG, ROKA and SOMA come together for a collaboration grounded in real craft and authenticity, bringing the energy of three of London’s most respected pan-Asian destinations into the festival.
Find the Secret Bar: One of this year’s most exciting additions comes courtesy of Hidden Society. With a brand new bar, tucked away somewhere in Bedford Square Garden for guests to find. Part of the fun is the hunt. As one of London’s newest openings, this is a great opportunity to experience it before the rest of the city catches on.
The Great Cocktail Collider: What happens when London’s greatest bartenders smash two classic cocktails together and serve them up slushie style? Inspired by the great Miami Vice (a Strawberry Daiquiri meets Pina Colada) this fun pop up in association with “Industry” will see bartending at its most creative and fun this August.
Coffee Cocktails with Callooh Callay & Little Bat: Hosted by Callooh Callay and Little Bat, in partnership with Santiago De Cuba, Mr Black, and Neon Vodka, this Collective explores what comes next: cold-brew highballs, fermented coffee spirits, cascara, and beyond. A showcase for the bartenders pushing the category into genuinely exciting territory.
Cocktails in the City offers a full programme of experiences celebrating cocktail craft and culture. Guests can join cocktail workshops entitled “Make My Marg” , participate in the Tasting Rooms – think speed dating meets producer-led masterclasses and brand ambassador workshops hosted throughout the festival. The garden comes alive with entertainment including a DJ-led silent disco, live music on the mainstage, plus a full programme of competitive socialising woven throughout the festival.
This festival is perfect for cocktail lovers and anyone eager to discover something new. Plus the line-up features an incredible mix of award-winning spots, including: 1910, Aqua Kyoto, Bar 45, Fitz’s Bar, Bar Kinky, Equal Parts, Waltz Bar, Hidden Society, Holborn Dining Room, Laki Kane, Sabine Rooftop Bar, Scales Cocktail Bar, Steak and Company, The Cocktail Club and more.
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