{"id":945575,"date":"2026-05-08T07:27:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T07:27:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/945575\/"},"modified":"2026-05-08T07:27:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T07:27:37","slug":"preview-bar-convent-london-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/945575\/","title":{"rendered":"Preview: Bar Convent London 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bigger and bolder, and this year hopefully a little bit colder, Bar Convent London returns to England\u2019s capital next week.<\/p>\n

\"BCBBCB London is back for its second year<\/p>\n

A big talking point of last year\u2019s 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\u00b0 C as England dealt with a heat wave at the end of June.<\/p>\n

As a result, 2026 brings new dates for BCB\u2019s stop in London \u2013 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 \u2013 and the UK\u2019s biggest \u2013 welcoming 3,650 visitors from 56 countries, with more than 140 exhibitors.<\/p>\n

Tobacco Dock in Wapping will host BCB London once again for 2026. The show\u2019s brand ambassador Jack Sotti believes bringing the show back for a second year \u201cfeels like a real statement\u201d. He explains: \u201cThe 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 \u2013 and 2026 gives us the chance to build on that energy and do even more.\u201d<\/p>\n

BCB director Petra Lassahn notes that this year\u2019s programme reflects the realities of working in hospitality today. \u201cWe\u2019re spotlighting sustainability, flavour development and team culture, alongside fast\u2010growing areas like low\u2010 and no\u2010alcohol and functional drinking,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgave spirits continue to be a major topic as well. The content is designed to be practical and forward\u2010thinking, giving professionals tools they can apply immediately behind the bar or in their businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TobaccoShip shape: Tobacco Dock plays host to the event<\/p>\n

The programme is being overseen by London bartender and hospitality consultant Elliot Ball, who heads an industry\u2010led education board of: Sotti, who runs London cocktail bar Archive & Myth, among many other projects; La\u2019Mel 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re focusing on creating an education programme that\u2019s practical, thoughtful and useful in the real world \u2013 whether you\u2019re behind the bar, running a business, or thinking about your next step,\u201d Ball said.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s drink scene one of the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Over the two days, some of the seminars include: \u2018Beyond the Buzzwords: Real Diversity in Hospitality\u2019, hosted by Lele Mensah, Chockie Tom, Nicky Craig, La\u2019Mel Clarke, and Vicky Ilankovan; \u2018Do You Believe in Life After Bars?\u2019 held by Sam Boevey; \u2018The Rapport Report\u2019 with Deano Moncrieffe, and Max Howe; and \u2018Functional Drinking: Beyond the Buzz\u2019, 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).<\/p>\n

\"BCBListen and learn: education is a vital component of the fair<\/p>\n

Local sourcing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lassahn highlights sustainability as an important topic. \u2018From Garden to Glass\u2019, presented by Sipsmith\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Other seminars to watch out for see the owner of Happy Accidents in Albuquerque, Kate Gerwin, host \u2018Biology of Taste\u2019 where she explores how flavour is shaped by the interaction between our senses, physiology and emotional response. An all\u2010star panel of Alex Lawrence Milia, Nicky Craig, Jaimee Shields\u2010Shabodalov and La\u2019Mel Clarke will then focus on the realities of building and sustaining company culture in hospitality.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, low\u2010and\u2010no expert Camille Vidal is the show\u2019s on\u2010site ambassador for the sector, and has curated a dedicated education programme to inspire a more mindful and inclusive way to drink.<\/p>\n

Training sessions<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2010in training sessions based on the WFA grading syllabus; and practical demonstrations of core flair techniques.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re 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\u2019s Satan\u2019s Whiskers, the competition offers participants the chance to win a selection of prizes, including an all\u2010expenses\u2010paid trip to Bar Convent Berlin in October for the winner.<\/p>\n

Lassahn wants to separate the show from its October sibling in Berlin, however, as she explains: \u201cWhat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

She continues: \u201cOur ambition is to firmly establish BCB London as a key fixture on both the UK and international bar calendar. \u201cWe see it continuing to grow as a platform that connects global innovation with local talent, while supporting the long\u2010term development of the hospitality industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Below we highlight a selection of spirits stands worth visiting at BCB London 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Brown-Forman<\/p>\n

Stand: EM4\u00ad-01 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Brown\u2010Forman exhibited in London last year with a \u201ctest and learn mindset\u201d, 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\u2010tested at BCB Berlin last October: The Bar Fabric Cocktail Club.<\/p>\n

Bar Fabric promises \u201cnext\u2010level hospitality\u201d courtesy of co\u2010host east London hotspot Equal Parts, alongside Brown Forman\u2019s UK Advocacy team. \u201cIt is not a stand, it\u2019s a living room for the industry: open, grand, and buzzing with energy,\u201d Ramini says.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the company\u2019s full portfolio will be on show, including a few goodies unavailable elsewhere in Europe and the longest aged Jack Daniel\u2019s Tennessee Whiskey produced since Prohibition.<\/p>\n

\"Double<\/p>\n

Stand: GG\u00ad-44<\/strong><\/p>\n

Those looking to pin down a mixer partner for their spirits can head to Double Dutch\u2019s stand, with the brand returning for a second year. On coming back for round two, co\u2010founder Raissa de Haas says: \u201cIt\u2019s about showing up for the industry, and being part of building something that could become a key moment in the UK drinks calendar.\u201d<\/p>\n

A focus for the brand will be its new Sun & Sea Tonic, which is described as a Mediterranean\u2010style tonic that bursts with zesty lemon notes and is inspired by sun\u2010soaked 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\u2010 and\u2010no and Spritz\u2010style serves, while also creating more interesting, balanced serves that go beyond the classic G&T.<\/p>\n

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. \u201cIt\u2019s all about giving visitors a hands\u2010on experience of how to build better drinks,\u201d de Haas adds.<\/p>\n

\"DOuMIX<\/p>\n

Stand: GG\u00ad-20 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Making its BCB London bow is DOuMIX?, a line of mixers produced by Italian multi\u2010brand group Casa Optima. Brand manager Andrea Fanti views London as the perfect place for the brand, citing England\u2019s capital as a \u201cglobal hub for creativity and trendsetting, especially in the bar and hospitality scene\u201d.<\/p>\n

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\u2010alcoholic cordial line, and range of syrups that includes a 100% agave variant.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Stand: GG-\u00ad62 <\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The brand\u2019s stand offers the chance to try its 5\u2010Year\u2010Old, 8\u2010Year\u2010Old, 12\u2010Year\u2010Old, and 18\u2010Year\u2010Old double\u2010aged rums, which give a feel for the brand\u2019s unique identity within the category. On\u2010stand activities have also been lined up; a happy\u2010hour concept called Hora Supremo, and Salon Supremo, which is described as a \u201cmore curated brand experience centred on tastings, storytelling and premium on\u2010 trade engagement\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cBCB London is a fantastic opportunity for us to introduce even more people to the beauty of Paraguayan miel de ca\u00f1a,\u201d says CEO Filippo Maria Olivi. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Stand: GG\u00ad-42<\/strong><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no place like home and Hayman\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The family\u2010run 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\u2010alcoholic entry, the new London 0% will be on offer too. The alcohol\u2010free liquid\u2019s flavours of juniper, coriander, and citrus are said to be reminiscent of its signature gin.<\/p>\n

As part of the brand\u2019s on\u2010trade campaign, it will also be serving Martinis and fries from 12pm\u20102pm on both days. Miranda Hayman, distiller Phil Gabriel, and the team will all be at the stand to talk about the company\u2019s latest news.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Stand: GGC-\u00ad01 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Heaven Hill will be spotlighting two of its core brands: Elijah Craig Bourbon and Tequila Ocho. The Kentucky\u2010based company will support the two products with a high\u2010speed bartending contest that tasks cocktail supremos with making a Paloma and an Old Fashioned simultaneously, and as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, there\u2019ll also be a seminar titled \u2018Deconstructing a Classic: The Chemistry of the Paloma\u2019, 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019ll be an Elijah Craig bar takeover at The Cocktail Trading Company.<\/p>\n

\u201cAttendees will be able to sample from our wider spirits portfolio, including some expressions that are new to the UK market,\u201d says Heaven Hill global director of advocacy Elayne Duff.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Stand: GG-\u00ad48<\/strong><\/p>\n

French spirits group La Martiniquaise\u2010Bardinet will have a range of bartender\u2010favourite products to explore, from Marie Brizard with its crafted liqueurs and syrups to Warner\u2019s Gin with the world\u2019s \u2018first\u2019 rhubarb gin and a selection of 0% ABV products for no\u2010and\u2010low 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuests at our stand will be invited to try their luck with the Marie Brizard Plinko board,\u201d said the group\u2019s communications manager Donatien Ferrari. \u201cDrop 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Stand: LG-\u00ad14<\/strong><\/p>\n

Italian liqueur Luxardo will be at BCB London with The Spirit of Italy Council, sharing a stand with a group of fellow Italian family\u2010owned liqueur companies. \u201cWe decided to come all together because it\u2019s a great opportunity to present the quality and history of Italian spirits,\u201d says Matteo Luxardo, the company\u2019s export director.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The full lineup includes Luxardo\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Stand: GG-\u00ad46<\/strong><\/p>\n

As a first\u2010time exhibitor, Mentzendorff will bring its range of premium spirits and fortified wines to the table, which includes Delamain Pale & Dry XO, Taylor\u2019s white Port Chip Dry, Anae Gin, and Mentzendorff Kumme, as well as premium vermouth, Sherries and Grappa.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn an age of more mindful experiential drinking, people are turning to more premium offerings in their spirits and cocktails,\u201d says brand manager Ciara Wong of Mentzendorff\u2019s offering.<\/p>\n

If you are interested to see what\u2019s new in the world of Cognac, the stand will feature Delamain\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

If you are in need of a hot drink, Mentzendorff will also be serving Carajillo coffees using its Hidalgo Luxumus liquor.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Stand: LG\u00ad-02<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlongside our catalogue offering, custom bottle development sits at the very core of our business,\u201d says marketing manager Barbara Galiano. \u201cWe work alongside distilleries to translate creative vision into glass \u2013 accompanying each project from the initial concept through to a finished bottle that carries the brand\u2019s identity in every curve and detail.\u201d<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

Galiano says: \u201cVisitors are welcome to explore our latest designs and discuss custom development projects directly with our team. We are available for one\u2010to\u2010one meetings throughout the show to review specific packaging needs \u2013 whether catalogue\u2010based or fully bespoke \u2013 and provide tailored solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Teeling<\/p>\n

Stand: EM1-\u00ad02<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2010pushing range, in which each expression offers a unique style of Irish whiskey for guests to discover, whether small batch, single malt or pot still.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether you\u2019re new to whiskey or a seasoned connoisseur, follow the phoenix to explore innovative flavours and discover the craft behind the world\u2019s most awarded Irish whiskey,\u201d said assistant brand manager Thomas O\u2019Brien.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

And there\u2019ll also be frozen Irish coffees on offer, made with Teeling Small Batch. So prepare for repeat visits to the company\u2019s stand.<\/p>\n

\"Three<\/p>\n

Stand: GG-\u00ad14<\/strong><\/p>\n

Athens\u2010based 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 \u2013 all alongside refreshing cocktails, of course.<\/p>\n

The brand also has a BCB London\u2010exclusive 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\u2019s general manager and co\u2010founder, as a \u201cdeliciously bold soda that delivers a crisp and intense fizz that lasts to the last sip\u201d .<\/p>\n

On the whole, he says: \u201cWe\u2019re excited to meet with new and old friends in the bartender community and showcase the strides we\u2019ve been making in flavour innovation.\u201d You\u2019ll 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\u2019s The Coral Room bar.<\/p>\n

Related news<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n BCB London publishes seminar programme
\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n

\n
\n BCB London reveals 2026 education board
\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n

\n
\n BCB London returns with refreshed education programme
\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Bigger and bolder, and this year hopefully a little bit colder, Bar Convent London returns to England\u2019s capital…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":945576,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7757],"tags":[77485,4559,86536,748,263949,263950,263951,263952,235856,393,121,4884,263953,263954,263955,257,263956,263957,263958,263959,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-945575","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-london","8":"tag-bar-convent-london","9":"tag-bcb","10":"tag-bcb-london","11":"tag-britain","12":"tag-brown-forman","13":"tag-delamain","14":"tag-double-dutch","15":"tag-doumix","16":"tag-el-supremo","17":"tag-england","18":"tag-feature","19":"tag-great-britain","20":"tag-haymans","21":"tag-heaven-hill-brands","22":"tag-la-martiniquaise-bardinet","23":"tag-london","24":"tag-luzardo","25":"tag-reis-packaging-europe","26":"tag-teeling","27":"tag-three-cents","28":"tag-uk","29":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116537778395502300","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/945575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=945575"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/945575\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/945576"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=945575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=945575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=945575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}