Drinks Bringing together Manchester’s favourite bars, global drinks suppliers and industry partners with a curated programme of exclusive events, collaborations, takeovers and education.

MANCHESTER COCKTAIL FESTIVAL, A WEEK-LONG CELEBRATION OF THE CITY’S COCKTAIL CULTURE LAUNCHES THIS WEEK

By Anna Gledson

The city’s inaugural cocktail festival, Manchester Cocktail Festival, is the result of a shared idea from Nick Coupland of Liar’s Group (Crazy Pedro’s, Cane & Grain, Science + Industry, The Bay Horse Tavern) and Ben Kendrick (Speak In Code, Double Down), who want to celebrate its venues, people and hospitality industry. With the collaborative nature and energy of similar events in other major cities throughout the UK, providing a catalyst to create Manchester’s first.

Kicking off on Monday 9th November and running for seven days across the city, the festival will feature some of the city’s leading venues – highlighting their drinks programmes, the people and cocktail culture, which has gained many of them, national and international recognition. Participating venues include Speak In Code, Blinker, The Morris, Winsome, Bar Shrimp, Double Down, Stray and newly opened Bar Dos, Crazy Pedro’s, Hawksmoor amongst many others. Manchester Cocktail Festival will shine a spotlight on the city’s hospitality scene, with venues being supported by and partnering with global drinks suppliers such as Bacardi, Diageo, LVMH, Schweppes and Monin. Participating venues will host a programme of curated drinks lists, brand collaborations, guest bartender appearances and takeovers, tastings, and one-off cocktail &
dining experiences. Those who wish to attend any of the events, will be required to purchase a MCF 26 pass, a digital wallet pass, which enables the holder to attend, or book a spot at events throughout the week.

As part of the festival’s mission statement and commitment to the city’s community, the week will include education sessions and seminars from industry leaders, as well as the provision of hospitality specific qualifications supplied by the festival and its wider partners. Founders, Ben & Nick, have partnered with Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Drinks Trust & CPL Learning, to provide allocated WSET Level 1+2 and Personal Licence qualifications within it’s week, rewarding those who are helping to shape the city’s hospitality industry. Nick Coupland, co-founder at Manchester Cocktail Festival said: “MCF is part of a long-term vision for the city, it’s not just about getting people in a room for a one-off party every year, it’s about a considered week of events which will cater to all involved in Manchester’s hospitality scene – whether working within or regularly visiting venues. “We want people to take something away from the festival and its associated events, and ultimately guests leaving with a wider appreciation for the skill and quality of venues and its people within their city.

Ben Kendrick, co-founder at Manchester Cocktail Festival added “We want this to be something that Manchester can be proud of – a celebration where all can get involved at different levels. Whether that is an up-and-coming bartender searching for inspiration and looking to develop their skills, or a festival pass holder heading out for a martini or margarita at their favourite cocktail bar – or maybe even discovering a new one.’ As part of a shared vision with those in the industry, Ben and Nick, are appreciative of the
friends within the industry who have supported the vision and helped to bring this year’s festival to life, and look forward to evolving the future plans with more venues and partners in years to come.

A full list of events + festival scheduling will be released w/c 26th October.
For up-to-date information regarding Festival passes + more – please head to
@manchestercocktailfestival or www.mcrcocktailfestival.co.uk