Best Drinks Events And Tastings In London

Marcus Sanigar's profile picture
By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Writer, DesignMyNight Food, drink and events writer with a decade of experience covering the UK hospitality scene. Has written for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 5th May 2026

Of course there's nothing wrong with indulging in the same drink every time you go out, but with the summer in full swing, there's never been a better time to explore everything that the city's bartenders have to offer. It's time to stop dipping your toes; just dive straight in. Check out our recommendations for the best drinks events in London and discover some of the ace liquor-centric activities this city has to offer.




Live Music & Events at The Arts

If you're a fan of exquisite drinks and unique tasting events, The Arts Theatre Club is the place to be in Soho. Enjoy an exciting whiskey-tasting event every Wednesday, or take a step back in time with their 1920s speakeasy Prohibition-tasting event every Saturday.

Their expertly curated events make it the ideal spot for anyone who loves exploring new spirits, and with live acoustic music to accompany your evening, you'll have the ultimate sensory experience.

58 and CO

The award-winning distillery, 58 and CO, can be found tucked under the arches by Haggerston overground station offering an array of activities for botanical lovers and enthusiasts alike.

Snap up tickets to its gin school from £125 per person and learn how to distil your very own bottle to take home with you. It also runs exclusive tasting events, pairing fine drinks with delightful cheeses, and vermouth masterclasses. 

Bootlegger Breakout

@ Cahoots Underground on Saturday 9th May 2026 and 27 other Saturdays

Get the grey matter going over cracking cocktails with the Bootlegger Breakout at Cahoots Underground. You'll crack codes and solve escape room-style games to master mixology and get the black market booze production line back up and running.

With the puzzles solved, your reward is a cocktail making masterclass and the chance to taste your way through your tipples. Grab a ticket to an afternoon of underground adventure for just £62.64.

The Distillery Bankside

Step into the rich aromatic world of gin at The Distillery's monthly gin masterclasses and tasting events. Led by expert mixologists, these engaging sessions walk guests through the history of gin, guided tastings of rare and artisan bottles, and hands-on cocktail making.

Set in a former 1800s essence factory in Bankside, it's one of London's most atmospheric spots for gin tastings, private drinks events, or unique group experiences.

Oasis Bar & Terrace Canary Wharf

Looking for something fun to do in the Canary Wharf area? Oasis Bar & Terrace has an exciting lineup of events coming up over the next few months that you won't want to miss.

From cocktail masterclasses starting at £55 per person to wine-tasting experiences and bottomless brunches every Saturday, there's something for everyone. Whether you're planning a night out with friends or looking for a unique date night idea, these events are the perfect way to enjoy good company and great vibes.

California Wine Tasting

@ The Royal Oak Marylebone on Thu, 21st May 2026 @ 19:00 - 20:30

Take a trip to the sun-soaked American coast without leaving Marylebone at the California Wine Tasting. Head upstairs at The Royal Oak to sip your way through six standout tipples under the expert eye of sommelier Emma Robinson.

We're talking crisp whites like Truchard Carneros Chardonnay and robust reds like Alma de Cattleya Pinot Noir. Along the way, you'll be served crab toast to complement the whites and braised lamb ribs to pair with the reds.

Cocktail Masterclass

@ Trapeze on Various dates from Friday 8th May 2026

Looking for a hands-on drinks event in a cool setting? Then head to Trapeze in Shoreditch, the quirky circus-themed bar that's full of colourful decor. They offer a brilliant cocktail masterclass throughout the week, led by their expert mixologists.

For £25 per person, you'll be able to create two delicious concoctions, as well as enjoying a glass of fizz on arrival.

Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Friday 8th May 2026

Grab your favourite bottle of hooch and head to the Wild West (in Central London). It's here you'll find a team of expert mixologists at the Moonshine Saloon, who are waiting to create stunning cocktails as you take part in a thrilling cowboy-inspired immersive drinks experience. 

Vagabond Cheese + Wine

Want your London wine tasting to be paired with plenty of cheese? Learn how to best fit the two together by trying five of each at Vagabond, where the masterclasses will teach you how to impress others with your knowledge. 

Soho Spirits Festival

@ The Vinyl Factory on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd August 2026

At The Vinyl Factory, Soho Spirits Festival has become a key date in the UK drinks calendar, offering a curated deep dive into contemporary spirits culture. Across the 21st and 22nd of August 2026, more than 60 producers will showcase over 300 bottles, spanning established distilleries and emerging craft names.

The programme includes four masterclasses per session led by industry figures, alongside rare pours reserved exclusively for ticket holders. 

Bow Wine Nights

@ Balfour At Bow Wine Vaults on Various dates from Friday 8th May 2026

Balfour at Bow Wine Vaults are making sure you get your fix of wine tasting events with their regular £25 per person sessions. You'll enjoy six wines while being guided by the venue's tasting experts, with each collection centred around a theme ranging from Champagne versus English sparking to different wine regions and grapes.

Youngs

Young's have many pubs dotted across London, and several of them have fantastic drinks events throughout the year. From a classy wine tasting to a beer festival with live entertainment, there's bound to be something for you, whatever your beverage of choice. 

Burnt Faith

Brandy distillery Burnt Faith is the first of its kind in the UK and has a ripe roster of events to get involved with over the upcoming months. The Walthamstow-based venue is hosting an agave history and styles tasting night, an evening dedicated to exploring sake and even a few cocktail masterclasses along the way - proving that you don't have to be a brandy fan to attend one if its mixologogy events. 

Pearl & Perlage - Ferrari Event

@ Enoteca da Luca Devonshire Square on Thu, 14th May 2026 @ 17:00 - 19:00

The annual Pearl & Perlage wine tasting is coming back to Enoteca da Luca Devonshire Square. In association with Ferrari, this place doesn't hold back when it comes to luxury. 

As you taste your way through the finest fizz, there's delicious small plates and nibbles to pair with every sip. Grab your tickets for just £55.

The Natural Philosopher

Head to The Natural philosopher in Bethnal Green for a fantastic whisky tasting experience, led by experts in the industry. This takes place on Wednesday evenings, promising to be both fun and informative.

They welcome a different producer each time, so you can sample some favourites. Your £12 ticket includes a welcome cocktail, plus a guided tasting of the range of the week.

Wine Tasting Flight

@ Aspen and Meursault on Fri, 19th Jan 2024 - Fri, 19th Mar 2027

Neighbourhood wine bar Aspen and Meursault isn't just a pretty face, as they've got the the tasting flights to make sure you get the very best of your vino-filled experience. You'll make your way through eight different kinds, matched with four courses of small plates too - with prices starting at £75 per person if you book off-peak. Plus, Elephant & Castle sister bar Diogenes The Dog has the same offer in store.

The Star of Bethnal Green

Make no mistake, this is not a quiet sip-and-swirl situation. The Star of Bethnal Green's Tequila Festival is a lively time for you and your friends.

You can expect smoky mezcals, punchy margaritas, live mariachi tunes and a crowd ready to lean into the fiesta. With tickets starting at £6.60 and plenty of tastings included, it's a standout choice for tequila fans and anyone hunting down cheap drinks events.

La Bibliotheque

La Bibliotheque in Hackney is a classy restaurant which hosts a range of drinks tastings. Take a whisky masterclass where you'll experience flavours from all over the world, or enjoy a three-course dinner with wine or sake pairings, and if you're feeling fancy you can try their Champagne brunch too.

Gosnells Of London

With brewery tours, tastings and even a mead brewing workshop, Gosnells Of London has plenty in store for lovers of this beverage. Get insider knowledge, plenty of booze and even some to take home with you across these fun drinks events in Bermondsey and Peckham.

London Bridge Distillery School

For those expert tastings, the London Bridge Distillery School has plenty in store. Whether you're in the mood for a rum blending experience or gin distilling afternoon, there's a boatload to choose from. Better yet, you'll get to take home your very own creations.

The Back Room Cocktail Experience

@ Hard Rock Cafe Mayfair on Every Saturday

If you're a big cocktail fan, The Back Room Cocktail Experience is a great shout. This takes place behind the Hard Rock Cafe in Mayfair, promising a curated DJ set as you indulge in a two-hour food and drink session.

You'll go on a journey of sound and flavour, sampling four delicious cocktails and a tasty bite paired with each. think spicy margaritas, vodka martinis, smoked salmon crostini and much more.

Vagabond Urban Winery Tour & Tasting

@ Vagabond Urban Winery on Various dates from Saturday 9th May 2026

Discover how wine is made right here in the city at the Vagabond Urban Winery. With glass in hand, you'll tour this state-of-the-art facility with an expert member of the team as your guide.

Stopping off at tasting stations along the way, you'll try four epic award-winning wines. Grab your tickets for just £29.

Gin Safari

@ Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour on Various dates from Saturday 9th May 2026

Calling all gin lovers: head to Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour near Leicester Square for a Gin Safari, promising to teach you all you need to know about this drink. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through gins, botanicals and tonics, followed by four tasters.

You'll also finish the 90-minute session with a bespoke cocktail, made from their collection of more than 230 bottles - all of which is included in your £44 ticket.

AROUND THE WORLD WHISKEY NOSING AND TASTING EXPERIENCE

@ The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel on Tue, 6th Jan 2026 - Sun, 6th Feb 2028

Go on a journey through spirits at The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, where they host a whiskey nosing and tasting experience in their Terrace Bar. This is led by their on-site mixologists, who'll guide you through the session.

For £65 per person, you'll get an in-depth knowledge of premium blends. And if rum is more your thing, they've got tastings of that too.

What's On At Renegade Wine Bar

Sip on some of the finest vinos at Renegade's cosy bar nestled under the Bethnal Green railway arches. Enjoy their range of wines and nibbles, or try their other boozy and non-alcoholic concoctions. P.S. Don't miss out on their Thirsty Thursday tastings or wine and cheese evenings.

Merchant House

Merchant House know more than just a thing or two when it comes to drinks in London. Notorious for their masterclasses, tastings and workshops, these bars are sure to help you get to know whisky on a whole new level with experts on-hand to guide you through every sip.

Burlock

Sexy rum bar Burlock is the ideal place to get a taste of the stuff - not only across its 200 bottles at the bar or in cocktails, but also at special events too. Expect complimentary tipples, the chance to meet the makers and live music to accompany.

The Chocolate Cocktail Club

Salted caramel, Toblerone, mint-flavoured... The Chocolate Cocktail Club sure know how to do a tasty mix. Make your way over to their East London venue for a night indulging in quirky, delicious creations that you can't get anywhere else. These guys also offer a fantastic drinks making masterclass here - a 90-minute session where you'll learn to create two bespoke tipples from their menu.

Urban Pubs and Bars

From whisky and chocolate pairings to kombucha tasting events, Urban Pubs & Bars has got a whole range of exclusive drinks events taking place across their many London venues. Whether you're in the market for a boozy supper club or a simple wine night, they've got you covered.

Pilango Cider Bar

Head to Parsons Green where Pilango is opening up its shop floor for a series of tastings and masterclasses. You'll get to sample everything from Champagne-style fizz to dessert ciders in a fun and welcoming South London setting.

Cabaret & Cabernet: A Wine Tasting Soirée

@ L'oscar London on Every 1st Friday of the month from 5th June

Cabaret & Cabernet: A Wine Tasting Soirée delivers on every front when it comes to drink tastings. Hosted inside the private Committee Room at L'oscar London, this experience combines world-class wines, an expertly curated tasting menu, and a sequence of live performances designed to mirror each pour.

From the elegance of Jeeper Champagne accompanied by a mesmerising contortionist, to the bold structure of Pagodes de Cos Rouge 2019 matched with a daring sword-swallowing act, every detail is carefully considered.

On The Grapevine Events

For all the vino lovers out there, head to On The Grapevine Events' cheese and wine pairing night in Ealing. This is a guided tasting that will teach you all about pairing food and drink, suitable for beginners in the subject.

Sip five premium wines, matched with a delicious selection of cheeses. From a rich charcoal cheddar to a crumbly Lancashire blue, there's plenty to get stuck into.

Distil Your Own Gin!

@ London Bridge Distillery School on Saturday 9th May 2026 and 27 other Saturdays

If you're looking for something a little different than a brewery tour, how about booking tickets to London Bridge Distillery School's Gin Experience? You'll receive a welcome drink, access to 24 specially selected botanicals to help you craft your drink and a 50cl bottle to take home with you. 

The Egerton House Hotel

Make your way to The Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge for some top-notch drinks events. Head to their much-loved martini masterclasses, to not only learn all about how to make the iconic bevvy, but to also learn some cool facts about it too.

The Five Points Brewing Co

If you're a bit of a beer fanatic, you'll love this. The Five Points Brewing Co is hosting a brilliant roster of events centred around craft and cask creations. Whichever happening you bag a ticket to, you'll be sipping all kinds of tasty pints.

Ale Hunters

Searching for drinks events in London? Then Ale Hunters' range of events is bound to impress. From fun-packed beer festivals to tastings and tours around some of the city's best or hidden breweries, these activities won't fail to keep beer lovers occupied. 

SHARED SPIRIT - LONDON WHISKY FESTIVAL

@ St Mary's Primrose Hill on Sat, 6th Jun 2026 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

Shared Spirit is a drinks event like no other. Expect the energy of a summer festival in the elegance of one of London's historic buildings, St Mary's Primrose Hill.

DJs are behind the decks all day to keep spirits high as you taste your way across 100 different whiskies from around the world. Expect tasty tipples, creative cocktails and sensational street food along the way.

TEQUILA AND MEZCAL SHOW 2026

@ Glaziers Hall on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May 2026

Get down to Glaziers Hall to jump into the world of tequila and mezcal. You'll taste some of the most exciting spirits on the market, from the light and grassy to the intensely smoky.

With over 250 tipples to choose from, there's sure to be one that takes your fancy. Tickets start from £41 and include all this, plus a cocktail token and Perfect Measure tasting glass.