Bigger and bolder, and this year hopefully a little bit colder, Bar Convent London returns to England’s capital next week.
BCB London is back for its second year
A big talking point of last year’s inaugural show was centred around the weather. Contrary to the usual British climate, both days of the Bar Convent London (BCB London) show were hot, with temperatures soaring above 32° C as England dealt with a heat wave at the end of June.
As a result, 2026 brings new dates for BCB’s stop in London – from 11 to 12 May. The decision to move the dates was announced last September, giving the trade plenty of time to prepare for round two. Despite the heat, the 2025 edition was still one of the largest gatherings on the drinks calendar – and the UK’s biggest – welcoming 3,650 visitors from 56 countries, with more than 140 exhibitors.
Tobacco Dock in Wapping will host BCB London once again for 2026. The show’s brand ambassador Jack Sotti believes bringing the show back for a second year “feels like a real statement”. He explains: “The response from the trade in year one demonstrated there is a genuine appetite for a show that speaks directly to the international bar and beverage community – and 2026 gives us the chance to build on that energy and do even more.”
BCB director Petra Lassahn notes that this year’s programme reflects the realities of working in hospitality today. “We’re spotlighting sustainability, flavour development and team culture, alongside fast‐growing areas like low‐ and no‐alcohol and functional drinking,” she says.
“Agave spirits continue to be a major topic as well. The content is designed to be practical and forward‐thinking, giving professionals tools they can apply immediately behind the bar or in their businesses.”
Ship shape: Tobacco Dock plays host to the event
The programme is being overseen by London bartender and hospitality consultant Elliot Ball, who heads an industry‐led education board of: Sotti, who runs London cocktail bar Archive & Myth, among many other projects; La’Mel Clark, a Lyan Group alum and former trainer for the Diageo Bar Academy; and Maria Kontorravdis, bar manager at A Bar With Shapes For A Name.
“We’re focusing on creating an education programme that’s practical, thoughtful and useful in the real world – whether you’re behind the bar, running a business, or thinking about your next step,” Ball said.
After successfully making its debut in 2025, Local Heroes will return to shine a light on the people, products, and stories that make the UK’s drink scene one of the world’s best. The initiative gives homegrown brands and makers a dedicated platform to network with bartenders and buyers, and BCB feels the platform can be a showcase for regional talent in the years ahead.
Ball and the education board have also put together an expanded lineup of seminars that will tackle some of the most pressing subjects in hospitality today. The sessions will take place on the Main Stage and the Workshop Stage.
Over the two days, some of the seminars include: ‘Beyond the Buzzwords: Real Diversity in Hospitality’, hosted by Lele Mensah, Chockie Tom, Nicky Craig, La’Mel Clarke, and Vicky Ilankovan; ‘Do You Believe in Life After Bars?’ held by Sam Boevey; ‘The Rapport Report’ with Deano Moncrieffe, and Max Howe; and ‘Functional Drinking: Beyond the Buzz’, which will have insights from Laura Willoughby (of Club Soda), Noah Villeneuve (of Kore), Luke McFayden (of Three Spirits), and Johnny Castaldi (of The Alchemist).
Listen and learn: education is a vital component of the fair
Local sourcing
Lassahn highlights sustainability as an important topic. ‘From Garden to Glass’, presented by Sipsmith’s master distiller Jared Brown and portfolio brand ambassador for Suntory Global Spirits Liv Jackson, will explore how local sourcing and seasonality can cut waste and enhance flavour.
Other seminars to watch out for see the owner of Happy Accidents in Albuquerque, Kate Gerwin, host ‘Biology of Taste’ where she explores how flavour is shaped by the interaction between our senses, physiology and emotional response. An all‐star panel of Alex Lawrence Milia, Nicky Craig, Jaimee Shields‐Shabodalov and La’Mel Clarke will then focus on the realities of building and sustaining company culture in hospitality.
Elsewhere, low‐and‐no expert Camille Vidal is the show’s on‐site ambassador for the sector, and has curated a dedicated education programme to inspire a more mindful and inclusive way to drink.
Training sessions
On the bar side, BCB London has partnered with the World Flair Association (WFA) to host a bartending area. The area will play to live flair shows from world champion bartenders; drop‐in training sessions based on the WFA grading syllabus; and practical demonstrations of core flair techniques.
If you’re looking to test the speed and accuracy of your pour, the Pouring Contest is back too. Hosted by Kevin Armstrong and Daniel Waddy of London’s Satan’s Whiskers, the competition offers participants the chance to win a selection of prizes, including an all‐expenses‐paid trip to Bar Convent Berlin in October for the winner.
Lassahn wants to separate the show from its October sibling in Berlin, however, as she explains: “What became very clear is that BCB London is not another version of Berlin. Each show serves a different market and purpose, and both have a valuable role to play.”
She continues: “Our ambition is to firmly establish BCB London as a key fixture on both the UK and international bar calendar. “We see it continuing to grow as a platform that connects global innovation with local talent, while supporting the long‐term development of the hospitality industry.”
Below we highlight a selection of spirits stands worth visiting at BCB London 2026.
Stand: EM4-01
Brown‐Forman exhibited in London last year with a “test and learn mindset”, says advocacy director Nidal Ramini. In its return to London, however, the American company will be doing something completely different to what people usually see at trade shows with a concept road‐tested at BCB Berlin last October: The Bar Fabric Cocktail Club.
Bar Fabric promises “next‐level hospitality” courtesy of co‐host east London hotspot Equal Parts, alongside Brown Forman’s UK Advocacy team. “It is not a stand, it’s a living room for the industry: open, grand, and buzzing with energy,” Ramini says.
Additionally, the company’s full portfolio will be on show, including a few goodies unavailable elsewhere in Europe and the longest aged Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey produced since Prohibition.
Stand: GG-44
Those looking to pin down a mixer partner for their spirits can head to Double Dutch’s stand, with the brand returning for a second year. On coming back for round two, co‐founder Raissa de Haas says: “It’s about showing up for the industry, and being part of building something that could become a key moment in the UK drinks calendar.”
A focus for the brand will be its new Sun & Sea Tonic, which is described as a Mediterranean‐style tonic that bursts with zesty lemon notes and is inspired by sun‐soaked afternoons by the coast. Attendees will be able to check out how the new flavour and the rest of the range can be used in trending categories such as low‐ and‐no and Spritz‐style serves, while also creating more interesting, balanced serves that go beyond the classic G&T.
The team will be present for guided tastings throughout the show, demonstrating how their mixers pair with different spirits and flavour profiles, and how they can work across different venues. “It’s all about giving visitors a hands‐on experience of how to build better drinks,” de Haas adds.
Stand: GG-20
Making its BCB London bow is DOuMIX?, a line of mixers produced by Italian multi‐brand group Casa Optima. Brand manager Andrea Fanti views London as the perfect place for the brand, citing England’s capital as a “global hub for creativity and trendsetting, especially in the bar and hospitality scene”.
Visitors can look forward to experiencing its new Squeeze line, which has no added sugars, and offers more conscious cocktail solutions without compromising on quality or taste, as well as its non‐alcoholic cordial line, and range of syrups that includes a 100% agave variant.
To help guide guests through the range, global brand ambassador Antonio Abatangelo will on hand, as will importer Belabon Drinks, to give visitors the opportunity to learn more about its products, vision and distribution network.
Stand: GG-62
BCB London first timer El Supremo initially dipped its toes in the city last year at RumFest, and is now ready to properly introduce itself to UK trade. For the Paraguayan rum, the event will help it connect with even more trade partners, bartenders and industry professionals, as it prepares for a statement summer, having officially launched in the UK in March.
The brand’s stand offers the chance to try its 5‐Year‐Old, 8‐Year‐Old, 12‐Year‐Old, and 18‐Year‐Old double‐aged rums, which give a feel for the brand’s unique identity within the category. On‐stand activities have also been lined up; a happy‐hour concept called Hora Supremo, and Salon Supremo, which is described as a “more curated brand experience centred on tastings, storytelling and premium on‐ trade engagement”.
“BCB London is a fantastic opportunity for us to introduce even more people to the beauty of Paraguayan miel de caña,” says CEO Filippo Maria Olivi. “It is our first time at the show, and after our debut in London at RumFest last year, we are thrilled to come back with even greater confidence.”
Stand: GG-42
There’s no place like home and Hayman’s will be in its element at BCB as it presents its gin, which has been crafted to the same recipe for 160 years, to the London crowds.
The family‐run distiller, which is based in Balham, will be pouring its core range of London Dry, Old Tom, and Sloe Gin, but for those intrigued by its non‐alcoholic entry, the new London 0% will be on offer too. The alcohol‐free liquid’s flavours of juniper, coriander, and citrus are said to be reminiscent of its signature gin.
As part of the brand’s on‐trade campaign, it will also be serving Martinis and fries from 12pm‐2pm on both days. Miranda Hayman, distiller Phil Gabriel, and the team will all be at the stand to talk about the company’s latest news.
Stand: GGC-01
Heaven Hill will be spotlighting two of its core brands: Elijah Craig Bourbon and Tequila Ocho. The Kentucky‐based company will support the two products with a high‐speed bartending contest that tasks cocktail supremos with making a Paloma and an Old Fashioned simultaneously, and as quickly as possible.
On Tuesday, there’ll also be a seminar titled ‘Deconstructing a Classic: The Chemistry of the Paloma’, in which Stu Bale (of Crucible), Jesse Estes (of Tequila Ocho), and George Bagos (of Three Cents) will explore the science behind the Tequila and grapefruit combination, and dive into what makes the Paloma such a perfect drink.
For evening activities, Tequila Ocho and Three Cents will be teaming up to throw a Paloma Month After Party at the The Light Bar in Shoreditch, while on Tuesday, there’ll be an Elijah Craig bar takeover at The Cocktail Trading Company.
“Attendees will be able to sample from our wider spirits portfolio, including some expressions that are new to the UK market,” says Heaven Hill global director of advocacy Elayne Duff.
Stand: GG-48
French spirits group La Martiniquaise‐Bardinet will have a range of bartender‐favourite products to explore, from Marie Brizard with its crafted liqueurs and syrups to Warner’s Gin with the world’s ‘first’ rhubarb gin and a selection of 0% ABV products for no‐and‐low serves. Other brands for guests to discover include Rhum Agricole Saint James, Speyside single malt whisky Glen Moray, blended Scotch Cutty Sark and Polish rye vodka Sobieski.
In addition, while not a new launch, the company will bring Villa Cardea Limoncello to BCB London for the first time in 2026. The limoncello is produced in Italy using 100% Sicilian lemon peel.
“Guests at our stand will be invited to try their luck with the Marie Brizard Plinko board,” said the group’s communications manager Donatien Ferrari. “Drop a token into the top of the board and watch as it cascades down through the pins, before landing on one of six Marie Brizard products. One of our bartenders will then create a signature serve featuring that product for guests to enjoy.”
Stand: LG-14
Italian liqueur Luxardo will be at BCB London with The Spirit of Italy Council, sharing a stand with a group of fellow Italian family‐owned liqueur companies. “We decided to come all together because it’s a great opportunity to present the quality and history of Italian spirits,” says Matteo Luxardo, the company’s export director.
The brand will have enough products on display that you could probably spend the full two days at the stand discovering various Italian spirits. From cocktail ingredients to bitters and liqueurs, the brand has all the offerings for bartenders looking to stock up, including its famed Maraschino liqueur and Luxardo Maraschino Cherries.
The full lineup includes Luxardo’s complete range of products that are available in the UK: Maraschino; Limoncello; Sambuca; Amaretto; Bitter Bianco; Original Maraschino Cherries; Espresso; Del Santo Herbal Liqueur; Apricot; and Aperitivo Italian.
Stand: GG-46
As a first‐time exhibitor, Mentzendorff will bring its range of premium spirits and fortified wines to the table, which includes Delamain Pale & Dry XO, Taylor’s white Port Chip Dry, Anae Gin, and Mentzendorff Kumme, as well as premium vermouth, Sherries and Grappa.
“In an age of more mindful experiential drinking, people are turning to more premium offerings in their spirits and cocktails,” says brand manager Ciara Wong of Mentzendorff’s offering.
If you are interested to see what’s new in the world of Cognac, the stand will feature Delamain’s latest expression, Folio Natura, which is said to be inspired by the natural world and expresses the richness and diversity of the Grande Champagne Cognac region.
If you are in need of a hot drink, Mentzendorff will also be serving Carajillo coffees using its Hidalgo Luxumus liquor.
Stand: LG-02
Reis Packaging Europe will present its new Nivis stackable jars as a key innovation at the show, as well as its Spirits Collection and expanded Heritage range.
“Alongside our catalogue offering, custom bottle development sits at the very core of our business,” says marketing manager Barbara Galiano. “We work alongside distilleries to translate creative vision into glass – accompanying each project from the initial concept through to a finished bottle that carries the brand’s identity in every curve and detail.”
The company is looking forward to connecting with both existing and new partners as it makes its third straight appearance at BCB London (including Imbibe Live).
Galiano says: “Visitors are welcome to explore our latest designs and discuss custom development projects directly with our team. We are available for one‐to‐one meetings throughout the show to review specific packaging needs – whether catalogue‐based or fully bespoke – and provide tailored solutions.”
Stand: EM1-02
Teeling is waving the flag for Irish whiskey, and making its return to BCB London. The Dublin distillery will be showcasing the full breadth of its boundary‐pushing range, in which each expression offers a unique style of Irish whiskey for guests to discover, whether small batch, single malt or pot still.
“Whether you’re new to whiskey or a seasoned connoisseur, follow the phoenix to explore innovative flavours and discover the craft behind the world’s most awarded Irish whiskey,” said assistant brand manager Thomas O’Brien.
The brand will also pack the stand with representatives through the show to chat about all things Irish whiskey and Teeling, including global brand ambassador, Robert Caldwell, and marketing manager Ruth Dunne.
And there’ll also be frozen Irish coffees on offer, made with Teeling Small Batch. So prepare for repeat visits to the company’s stand.
Stand: GG-14
Athens‐based Three Cents counts London as a key market, and will return once more to give attendees a taste of its range of premium tonics and mixers, which includes its signature pink grapefruit and fig leaf sodas – all alongside refreshing cocktails, of course.
The brand also has a BCB London‐exclusive for the event, offering up the first taste of its new Pickle Soda. The product will launch in the UK imminently and is described by George Bagos, the brand’s general manager and co‐founder, as a “deliciously bold soda that delivers a crisp and intense fizz that lasts to the last sip” .
On the whole, he says: “We’re excited to meet with new and old friends in the bartender community and showcase the strides we’ve been making in flavour innovation.” You’ll be able to find Bagos behind the bar at the stand, shaking up a storm with global brand ambassador Alexandros Sourmpatis, and bartenders from London’s The Coral Room bar.
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