Cocktail lovers, get ready for the ultimate bar takeover! We’ve teamed up with Barstars and The Orientalist Spirits to bring 12 of Asia’s most exciting bartenders and their world-class cocktails to some of London’s top bars. From sleek Mayfair spots to chic East London lounges, this is your chance to sip on signature drinks created exclusively for this event, while mingling with the talented bartenders behind them.
Join us on Wednesday, 16 October, and Thursday, 17 October, for an unforgettable two-day cocktail experience, with each bartender bringing their unique style and flavours from their home bar directly to London. Want to join us? Register your interest HERE and we’ll be in touch.
East London Bar Tour
Start your East London cocktail crawl with a stop at SOMA, newly opened in Canary Wharf. The bar’s signature Indian-inspired flavours make it the perfect match for Sidecar, India’s top-ranked bar. Lopsang Galchen’s cocktails offer a burst of spice and warmth, creating a vibrant cultural blend that’s sure to wow your palate.
Then venture up Level 33 in The Shard, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and an authentic Chinese-inspired cocktail menu at Hutong. Paired with the award-winning Hope & Sesame from China, this is a night of elegance and creativity as both bars highlight the best of Chinese ingredients and mixology mastery.
Fitzrovia Bar Tour
Begin your evening at Shochu Lounge, where Japan’s Folklore brings their expertise in Shochu and Sake to create delicate cocktails paired with small bites.
Then, step into Phoenix Bar at Tattu, where Yao Lu from Shanghai’s Union Trading Co will serve his signature Shanghai Breakfast, blending Orientalist Imperial Rum, black sesame, and banana.
Finally, visit Three Sheets, newly opened in Soho, paired with Korea’s Bar Zest, ranked #2 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. This limited-seating event promises an intimate, local-inspired cocktail experience.
Knightsbridge Bar Tour
Start your evening at the famous Blue Bar at the Berkeley. London host Marcello Cauda (a favourite at CitC), is hosting Chunyanuch “Ning” Yodsuwan from legendary Bangkok bar BKK Social Club, located at the Four Seasons Hotel and awarded the best bar in Thailand amongst other achievements. We will try her famous Chiapas Cocktail with the Orientalist Dragon Whisky, Mr Black Coffee liqueur, Punt e Mes, Corn syrup and Espresso.
Then we hit The Aubrey at The Mandarin Oriental to say hello to Agung Prabowo from Penicillin, Hong Kong to try his Hot, Flat & Crowded mixing together a homemade mango custard Orientalist Gunpowder Gin, grapefruit, lime and burnt butter cordial topped with cream soda.
Mayfair Bar Tour
Mayfair is the heart of Barstars London this year and we start with the powerful duo of Millie Tang, Australia and Holly Graham of Tokyo Confidential, Japan. Holly will be popping up in the calm and serene surroundings of Kwant, created by Erik Lorincz for a tasting menu experience whilst Millie will be bringing her high energy to the cocktail powerhouse and visual feast that is Sexy Fish. Just a few moments walk from each other, you will experience two very different but equally exceptional cocktail experiences.
Coya Mayfair welcomes Jon Lee from Penrose Kuala Lumpur, awarded best bar in Malaysia and currently 8th on the list in Asia 50Best. Jon Lee brings together his passions of art, food and bars and we look forward to trying the Poire Belle, an artistic mix of Orientalist Origins Vodka, calvados, chardonnay, pear, elderflower and bergamot.
Hakkasan Mayfair have brought together their top bartenders from Hakkasan, Yuatcha and The BoTree Bar to partner up with Peter Chua from Night Hawk, Singapore. 50 lucky guests at the Ling Ling bar upstairs at Hakkasan can enjoy an amuse-bouche cocktail on arrival entitled the Green Machine featuring Orientalist Origins Vodka, cucumber and basil juice with citrus and saline.
Experience It All in One Night: The Bar Stars Finale
On Thursday, 17th October, Bar Stars culminates in an unmissable, one-night-only spectacle at ABar Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair.
Starting at 8PM, Asia’s top bartenders will rotate behind the bar, showcasing their unparalleled skills and creativity. Each hour, two bartenders will collaborate to craft exclusive cocktails using The Orientalist Spirits, blending innovation with artistry.
This is your chance to witness a true masterclass in mixology and savour signature drinks from the best in the business—all in one unforgettable evening.
In Partnership with Orientalist Spirits
The Orientalist Spirits stands as a pioneering pan-Asian craft spirits brand, masterminded by the renowned food & beverage entrepreneur Michel Lu. Offering an exquisite range of ultra-premium spirits, the brand meticulously sources its ingredients from diverse corners of Asia. Recognising an untapped niche in the market for artisanal Asian spirits, the company aspires to establish itself as the definitive choice for consumers seeking unparalleled quality and distinctiveness in its collection of spirits.
