Cocktail Festival returns to Winchester after five-year break

Originally started in 2016 by the team behind Cabinet Rooms, working with Winchester BID, the aim of Winchester Cocktail Week is to encourage cocktail lovers to explore the city.

Having grown in popularity year upon year, the festival was put on hold in 2020 while local hospitality businesses worked hard to keep afloat and then bounce back from the pandemic.

The city’s bar and pub scene has seen some changes during that time.

This “comeback” festival is a little smaller than previous years but is set to be a good opportunity for people to have some fun and support local businesses along the way.

Festival co-ordinator Gary Whiter from Cabinet Rooms said: “We are really excited to bring Winchester’s cocktail festival back to the city this year.

"I was a bit nervous about starting up the event again but with the help of our sponsors at Brown-Forman and the Typeface Group, as well as the enthusiasm of the businesses taking part, I think we’re all set and ready to go.

"It feels like the time is right to enjoy a week-long celebration of spirits and mixed-drinks! I hope it gives people an opportunity - or perhaps the excuse they need - to go out and discover a new favourite drink or two!”

Festival wristbands can be purchased at Cabinet Rooms on Jewry Street and are valid from June 1 until June 9.

People can show their wristband at participating venues to be able to buy signature festival cocktails for just £6.

Wristband holders can also get discounts with the official retail partners during the festival.

Tickets can be purchase for £12 + booking fee via winchestercocktailweek.co.uk or over the counter at Cabinet Rooms on Jewry Street.

Signature cocktails are available at: 

• Cabinet Rooms
• Lucky Lychee at the Green Man
• St James Tavern
• The King Alfred
• The Mucky Duck
• The Old Vine
• The Roebuck
• The Winchester Orangery
• The William Walker

Special offers and discounts available at:

• Chococo
• P&G Wells
• Papa John’s Pizza