Top 5 Places For Cocktail Masterclasses in London
Whether you’re looking to learn how to make a Pornstar Martini or a classic mojito, there are plenty of places to go in London for cocktail masterclasses. These fun sessions are perfect for hen parties, birthdays and stag dos.
Dirty Martini hosts classes in Covent Garden, Islington and Monument. They’ll teach you all about the history of tipples and show you how to create your own expert mixes.
Beaufort House
The beautiful regal townhouse setting of Beaufort House provides the perfect backdrop for a cocktail masterclass in London. Guests can enjoy a Bellini on arrival, learn how to make their favourite classic cocktails and then be guided through the process of creating their own bespoke signature cocktail.
There are a variety of different events packages on offer for guests to choose from, so you can tailor your experience to your preferences. They include everything from a traditional seated event to an elegant cocktail and canape reception and exclusive hire of the entire venue, perfect for big birthday celebrations or special occasions.
Guests are greeted with a friendly smile at the reception. The lobby is a beautiful space, decorated with dark wood floors and a modern chandelier. Velvet sofas surround a glass coffee table set with lifestyle magazines and a discreet wooden reception desk.
Located in Knightsbridge, one block from Harrods department store and within easy walking distance of the South Kensington and Knightsbridge tube stations, this upscale property offers 21 spacious apartments with free Wi-Fi access. Each self-contained unit has a full kitchen and dining areas.
Bbar
Located in the heart of Victoria, Bbar is a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace and a popular meeting point for local office workers and tourists alike. It offers a long bar with frosted glass and alternating lighting, an extensive wine and spirit list, accomplished barmen and great service.
Its ‘Safari Chic meets Urban Cool’ concept successfully mixes South African flavours with international influences. Its stylish interior features Zebrano tables and giraffe-skin pattern banquettes, plus a beautiful collection of wildlife photographs by world-renowned photographer Michael Myers.
Voted ‘Most Loved Local Bar’ in Westminster & St James by TimeOut 2018, bbar serves an impressive selection of signature cocktails and drink pairings, crafted by expert mixologists. It’s a popular spot for pre-theatre dining and an evening of cocktails with friends.
Its eclectic menu includes burgers, snacks, and signature cocktails. Must-try dishes include the Mexican Truffle Old Fashioned, a ‘Son of a Gun’ buttermilk chicken burger and Bobotie Spring Rolls. A variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
Callooh Callay
A bar inspired by Lewis Carroll’s nonsense poem, “Jabberwocky,” Callooh Callay is a shabby-chic three-room cocktail bar with surreal decor. It’s a fun place to catch some tunes, and the drinks are spot-on.
The bar’s reopening is part of a major expansion plan for founder Richard Wynne, who plans to launch 10-15 bars in London over the next four to five years. The first of these will be in Covent Garden, a site larger than its Shoreditch one.
Callooh Callay is also re-launching its upstairs bar, the JubJub, as a members club. It will welcome applications from those working within the hospitality industry, as well as people who have an interest in cocktails and spirits.
Each month a different Callooh Callay bartender will be given the keys to the JubJub, where they can create a cocktail menu to showcase the brand’s ethos and story. They can also run a programme of brand events – from tastings to masterclasses.
It’s the perfect way to learn how to make a classic cocktail, or just to try something new. You’ll be taught by a professional and get the chance to take home your own drinks!
Ping Pong
A ping pong table is a great addition to any bar, restaurant, or event space. It can be used for casual play or competitive competitions and looks perfect in any outdoor setting.
It’s also a fun activity for people to do with friends or family, and can help you improve your hand-eye coordination. If you’re looking to learn how to ping pong, try playing in your local park, or find a club in your neighborhood that offers lessons.
Ping pong has a similar scoring system to table tennis, but it allows players to get one double point ball per game, provided they are on serve. This can make the game even more exciting.
There are many ways to improve your ping pong skills, including consistent practice and listening to the ball. You can also try chopping the ball, which will spin the ball and slow it down.
At Bryant Park, ping pong tables are available for free every day from 11am to 8pm. Participants can sign up with a partner or solo, and receive 10 minutes of playtime each.
The Anthologist
Located on Gresham Street in the heart of the City, The Anthologist offers discerning guests something a little out of the ordinary. Featuring two striking cocktail lounges, a contemporary kitchen complete with chef’s table and a decadent wine store, the venue is arguably where all the good parties start & finish.
You can book The Anthologist for any kind of occasion – from group mixology masterclasses for team building exercises to sit-down banquet-style wedding celebrations. They also boast a private bar space and mezzanine tasting table, perfect for smaller events or private dinners.
The Anthologist’s cocktail masterclasses are available for groups of nine or more. Learn about the history and origins of your favourite spirits before getting stuck in to shaking up three delicious cocktails with their expert mixologists.
You can choose from a selection of exotic concoctions, including a Pornstar Martini and Espresso Martini or a bramble or a ‘la hermosa’ – a combination of rose, passionfruit, lime and raspberry. The masterclass is held in their speakeasy-style space and includes a glass of fizz and two carefully shaken cocktails.
The Monument
Located on St Dunstan’s Street, a short walk from Canterbury City Centre, The Monument is a 19th Century pub with a contemporary interior. It has a great range of beer and spirits, and offers cocktail masterclasses for groups of all sizes.
A dapper basement bar inspired by old-school Savile Row, The Monument is just a stone’s throw from Monument tube station and features quirky decor and taxidermy on display throughout the venue. It’s a great choice for an evening out with friends and is also available for private hire for special occasions, such as birthdays and wedding receptions.
During this cocktail masterclass in London, you will learn how to mix the perfect libation with expert guidance from the bartenders. You will start by learning about the history of cocktails and what makes them unique, before heading behind the bar to create your very own drink. You will then be given fresh ingredients, such as herbs and spices, to make your drinks pop!
The Smokehouse
If you love the smoky flavors of barbecue, this Disney Springs counter service spot is the place for you. Housed just outside House of Blues, the smokehouse serves everything from smoked turkey legs to ribs and sandwiches, as well as a number of sides.
In addition to its counter service menu, The Smokehouse also offers a full bar. This bar is particularly popular for happy hour and live music during the evenings.
The venue has a curated whiskey collection, featuring the core range as well as more high-end Master’s Collection offerings. It’s an excellent place to try new bourbons if you’re looking for a bit of an education on the spirit.
The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beers, along with an extensive menu of BBQ items. The venue is also a great place to take in the views of the surrounding mountains. It has a full bar and outdoor seating, as well as a patio grill. The restaurant also hosts live music every weekend.
TCC
If you’re looking to get a bit creative with your cocktail-making, there are plenty of fun cocktail masterclasses in London. These range from learning how to mix your own cocktails, to spiffing up classic tipples with some special twists.
If gin is your thing, TT Liquor offers an unbeatable gin-filled masterclass in East London. Their gin expert will teach you about the history of this classic spirit, from its illicit past to modern day popularity.
You’ll also find a rum masterclass, which is the perfect choice for a hen party or a group of friends. The class takes place in an intimate cellar bar and includes four cocktails each.
If you’re after something a little more exciting, then ABQ has a molecular cocktail lab that will get you cooking your own cocktails with yellow boiler suits and gas masks. The immersive experience will last 1 hour 45 minutes and is PS38pp.