Lisa Higginson
Raise a glass to Manchesterâs finest bars at a unique event to celebrate the drinks industry. Leaving London for the first time, the Boutique Bar Show is set to take residence inside the historic walls of Manchester Town Hall for one night only on Thursday (May 13). Graciously accepting that out humble city can âdoâ bars just as good (if not better) than the capital, the event aims to increase peopleâs appreciation and knowledge of beer, cider and spirits.
The event offers visitors the chance to learn more about the art of cocktail making and to sample drinks from around the world, including Caribbean rums, Scotch whiskies, North American beers, British gins and much more besides. With nearly 100 drinks on show visitors will also be able to attend a number of master classes such as Cocktail Making at home with Harvey Nichols, the rise of Tiki Rum Culture with Northern Quarter favourites Keko Moku and Hula Bar and an introduction to beers from across the globe with award-winning beer writer Ben Mcfarland.
Local mixologist Jamie Stephenson will also make a show-stopping attempt to break the world speed cocktail making record, which requires a staggering 700 different drinks to be made in just one hour - equaling one every five seconds. After a crash course in drinks appreciation visitors will be able to relax in the luxury of the Lord Mayorâs Parlour where local Northern Quarter stalwart Socio Rehab will be creating some bespoke drinks. Creating a mad hatters-style tea party the event is set to be a unique drinking experience.
During the day, the show will host an industry event with some of the most premium agencies and brands exhibiting such as Emporia, Speciality Drinks, Marblehead, Inspirit, Sipsmith and Mangrove. There will be around 100 drinks on show and visitors will be able to judge the quality of the product in a consistent environment with exhibitors all given equal sized stands. All members of trade can register for the show at www.www.boutiquebarshow.com or contact us at [email protected] or 0207 749 0729.
Tickets for the evening event (6pm-9pm) are available through Manchester Confidential at an early bird price of £10 and include a drink on arrival plus sampling and entry into the official after party at the Black Dog Ballroom.