World Class Cocktail Festival Brings Elite Mixology to London’s Ned
World Class Cocktail Festival Comes to the City of London
The historic streets of the City of London are preparing for a vibrant influx of flavor and talent as the prestigious World Class Cocktail Festival prepares to take over The Ned. Running from May 27th to June 7th, 2026, this highly anticipated event is set to breathe new energy into the local hospitality scene. While bustling areas like Soho have long been the traditional go-to hubs for a night out, this festival firmly positions the financial district as a premier destination for food and drink enthusiasts. The celebration coincides with the World Class GB Final, which will see ten of the nation's most talented bartenders compete from June 1st to June 3rd for a chance to represent Great Britain on the global stage. For local residents and workers, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience elite mixology right on their doorstep. As one of the highlight london events of the season, it showcases the immense creativity within the UK beverage industry, drawing crowds to the area and providing a welcome economic boost to local businesses.
Taste the Creations of a Champion at The Ned
At the heart of the festival is an exclusive menu curated by Emanuele ‘Lele’ Mensah, the reigning World Class GB champion. Known for his work at prestigious venues like the Connaught Bar, Mensah brings a story-driven, innovative approach to the drinks list. His creation, the Bright Side, reimagines earthy beetroot into a vibrant, fruity champagne cocktail, while the Egusi Martini introduces rich, nutty West African flavours using melon seed vermouth, inspired by traditional Egusi soup. For those who prefer classic tastes with a twist, the Jalapeño Margarita swaps traditional lime for fresh, local gooseberries, highlighting how regional ingredients can elevate global classics. The menu also features the Calabash Highball, a shareable drink celebrating hospitality, available as both a whisky-based serve and a non-alcoholic mocktail. These carefully crafted drinks, priced at £16 for cocktails and £13 for the non-alcoholic option, represent a masterclass in modern mixology. Offering these drinks in the City of London provides a sophisticated alternative to the usual tourist hotspots, allowing locals to enjoy world-class craftsmanship without having to travel across town.
A Boost for Local Hospitality and Tourism
The festival will be hosted across a variety of public and member spaces within The Ned, located at 27 Poultry. Iconic spots such as the Nickel Bar, Cecconi’s, Millie’s Lounge, Kaia, and the Electric Bar & Diner will all feature Mensah’s exclusive menu. This multi-venue activation ensures that the festival is highly accessible, welcoming both casual drop-ins and dedicated cocktail aficionados. By transforming this historic building into a hub of sensory exploration, the festival highlights how modern culinary trends can revitalize heritage architecture. Beyond the immediate excitement for drink lovers, events of this caliber play a crucial role in supporting London's broader tourism ecosystem. As visitors flock to see famous london attractions, having world-class culinary experiences nearby encourages longer stays and deeper engagement with the city's diverse neighborhoods. The World Class Cocktail Festival is more than just a celebration of fine drinks; it is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the city’s hospitality workers, offering a brilliant platform for community connection and shared experiences in the heart of the capital.
Source: Here's What to Drink During This Year's World Class Cocktail Festival
