October events for discerning drinkers

Words by: Difford's Guide

Our monthly listing of events, seminars and tastings which we consider of interest to discerning drinkers. Those events which are drinks industry specific, or have days/periods that are industry specific are marked accordingly. Enjoy!

UK - The Restaurant Show

TRADE ONLY

What: To celebrate its 30th anniversary, The Restaurant Show will be catering once again this year for those in the hospitality industry presenting over 450 exhibitors. Along with leading talent from the industry including Tom Kerridge and Daniel Clifford. Visitors will have a chance to attend insightful sessions, participate in competitions and check out the latest trends in kitchen equipment, technology and more.
When: 1st-3rd October 2018
Where: London, UK
More info: therestaurantshow.co.uk

UK - London Cocktail Week

What: Europe's largest cocktail festival. Download the free DrinkUp.London app, buy your £10 digital pass, then enjoy signature £6 cocktails at all participating bars simply by showing the bartender your pass. In addition, there are numerous drinks industry specific events across London and all the action and cocktails at The Cocktail Village.
When: 1st-7th October 2018
Where: London, UK
More info: London Cocktail Week

UK - Boutique Bar Show London

TRADE ONLY

What: In an intimate atmosphere, numerous bar brands will be attending, including the latest, high quality drinks brands in the UK drinks industry, alongside leading speakers, with a great opportunity to meet new business contacts. In partnership with Tequila & Mezcal Fest, which is returning in its 5th year to celebrate agave spirits and signature dishes, will be hosted alongside BBS for a unique trade show collaboration. Register now to secure your place at this. Doors open at 11am - 5pm.
When: 2nd October 2018
Where: Bargehouse gallery, London, UK
More info: BoutiqueBarShow.com

International - Vodka Day

What: Vodka's day of celebration gives cause to seek out the best vodka cocktails around. Try our Bloody Mary recipe
When: 4th October 2018
Where: Globally
More info: International Vodka Day

UK - Tequila & Mezcal Fest

What: To celebrate the spirit of Mexico and agave spirits, the festival brings together over 50 tequila and mezcal exhibitors. It presents Mexican culture alongside music and food from folklore dancers and an Aztec ceremony to London's finest tacos, whilst showcasing a selection of emerging artisanal agave spirits.
When: 5th-7th October 2018
Where: Bargehouse gallery, London, UK
More info: TequilaFest.co.uk

UK - Vegtoberfest

What: A vegan Oktoberfest taking place in Camden Town. The Bavarian themed celebration is 100% vegan, presenting a selection of local crafted ales, wines, cocktails and street food.
When: 6th October 2018
Where: Camden, London, UK
More info: Vegtoberfest.co.uk

Germany - Bar Convent Berlin (BCB)

TRADE ONLY

What: Extremely popular, this drinks industry only convention has tickets selling out well in advance. Stands displaying products from distillers big and small plus seminars on topics from coffee to molecular mixology.
When: 8th-10th October 2018
Where: Berlin, Germany
More info: Bar Convent Berlin

International - Sherry Week

What: This international week of sherry celebration is growing extremely popular with drink enthusiasts. Expect to see events all around, including tastings like the NY Grand Tasting held on the 9th October. Where will you be during #sherryweek?
When: 8th-14th October 2018
Where: Across the globe.
More info: Sherry Sour Recipe

UK - Career Talk: Distiller

What: This exciting evening brings master distillers to the stage offering help and advice to bartenders, drink enthusiasts and spirit lovers alike. The panel will include Desmond Payne MBE of Beefeater Gin and Toby Sims of London Distillery Company. If you're looking to pursue a career in distillation, then this event offers insight from industry experts on how to get there. The event begins at 6.30pm at the WSET School London - tickets cost £13 and includes a free drink.
When: 10th October 2018
Where: London, UK
More info: WSetGlobal.com/Events

USA - New York Coffee Festival

What: Featuring live experiences from over 85 coffee, food and equipment suppliers. Visitors will enjoy endless free coffee tastings, interactive workshops, demonstrations from world-class baristas, delicious street food, intoxicating coffee cocktails, live music, art and so much more.
When: 12th-14th October 2018
Where: New York, USA
More info: NewYorkCoffeeFestival.com

UK - Edinburgh Cocktail Week

What: The week long celebration in Edinburgh brings together over 80 bars - guests are encouraged to visit the Cocktail Village which will house 15 pop-up bars, £4 signature cocktails, live music, masterclasses and tastings. And the exciting programme starts with a Porn Star Martini party. Tickets start at just £6, which even offers additional discounts including free entry to the city's top venues.
When: 15th-21st October 2018
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
More info: EdinburghCocktailWeek.co.uk

UK - National Calvados Week

What: To celebrate this delightful apple brandy, National Calvados Week will see over 100 bars, shops, supermarkets and independent off-licences across the UK offering calvados drinks, cocktails and tastings. Join the celebrations by finding your nearest event and enjoy a classic Calvados & Tonic.
When: 15th-21st October 2018
Where: Taking place within bars and retailers across the UK.
More info: NationalCalvadosWeek.com

USA - National Liqueur Day

What: This national holiday celebrates the world of liqueur and all its flavours.
When: 16th October 2018
Where: Everywhere, anywhere, USA
More info: National Liqueur Day

UK - Independent Hotel Show

TRADE ONLY

What: Products and services from over 300 companies from independent hotel supply chains and 20 free-to-attend seminars and workshops.
When: 16th-17th October 2018
Where: London, UK
More info: IndependentHotelShow.co.uk

USA - New York Rye Week

What: Celebrating the cultivation of this historic grain in New York State, Rye Week returns again this year with exciting trade and consumer events hosted by industry experts, leading chefs, farmers and distillers. Including, Mastering the Art of Blending Whiskey with Allen Katz and a walk-round consumer tasting of over 30 rye whiskeys from around the country.
When: 16th-21st October 2018
Where: New York, USA
More info: RyeWeek.com

International - Gin & Tonic Day

What: Toast a gin and tonic, wherever you are.
When: 19th October 2018
Where: Everywhere, anywhere, across the globe.
More info: Gin & Tonic recipe

UK - RumFest Trade & Conference Day

TRADE ONLY

What: Specifically, for new or boutique rums and cachaça brands.
When: 20th October 2018
Where: London, UK
More info: RumFest.co.uk

UK - Rumfest

What: Staged over two days, this is the UK's only trade and consumer show for the rum industry and world's largest rum festival.
When: 20th-21st October 2018
Where: London, UK
More info: RumFest.co.uk

Events organisers - to list your event here please get in touch at hello@diffordsguide.com