Hampshire’s largest celebration of spirits and mixed drinks is set to return this summer, as Winchester Cocktail Week brings a city-wide festival of cocktails, mocktails, and special offers to some of the area’s most popular venues.
Taking place from June 2 to June 8, the event will span a diverse selection of independent establishments, including Cabinet Rooms, Kyoto Kitchen, Lucky Lychee, Overdraft, Piecaramba!, St James Tavern, The Mucky Duck, The King Alfred, The Winchester Hotel & Spa, The Winchester Orangery, and Turkuaz.
First launched in 2016 by the team behind the Cabinet Rooms, Winchester Cocktail Week was put on hold for five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the business’s expansion into neighbouring premises. The festival made a highly anticipated return last summer, and this year marks its sixth edition.
The week-long event invites attendees to explore Winchester’s cocktail scene through a variety of handcrafted drinks, including signature cocktails, mocktails, and classic gin and tonics. The aim is not only to showcase expert mixology but also to promote the city’s independent hospitality sector.
To take part, guests can purchase a £10 ticket from the Cabinet Rooms on Jewry Street or online at cabinetrooms.com. Prior to the event, tickets can be exchanged at the venue for a wristband and a map of participating locations. Wristband holders will be eligible for exclusive discounts and offers at official venues throughout the festival.
Organiser Gary Whiter of Cabinet Rooms said this year’s event features a refreshed line-up, highlighting the uniqueness of each participating business. “All venues taking part are independent businesses – they are a really nice mix, and all offering something different,” he said. “This event is an opportunity to visit a range of venues, try a variety of cocktails and find out which ones you like.”
Among the new additions this year are sponsorships from Buffalo Trace Distillery and non-alcoholic cocktail brand ‘seasn’, offering festivalgoers a chance to sample both traditional spirits and alcohol-free alternatives. A dedicated Fever-Tree trail will also guide attendees through an exploration of bespoke gin and tonic pairings.
Support from local businesses extends beyond the hospitality sector. Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care will offer wristband wearers a themed goodie bag and the chance to enter a prize draw for a cocktail-making hamper.
“This is not simply happy hour – this is happy week,” said Whiter. “With a focus on craft, classic and contemporary cocktails, delicious mocktails, and refreshing G&Ts, it’s such a fun way to support local. Cheers!”
Winchester Cocktail Week runs from Sunday, June 2 to Saturday, June 8.
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