For those that don’t know BCB London tell us about the concept of the show?
BCB has become the leading international trade fair brand for the bar, beverage and hospitality industries and has developed over the years into a hallmark of quality for trade events in the sector.
Bar owners, bartenders, distributors and manufacturers from almost 90 countries come to BCB in Berlin every year to make new contacts, learn about product innovations and attend seminars. BCB has expanded its global network with further shows in Brooklyn, São Paulo, Singapore and now London.
London's Tobacco Dock is the home of the inaugural BCB London event on June 30 and July 1
The inaugural BCB London event is taking place on June 30 and July 1 at Tobacco Dock in London.
This is the first time you have held the show in Londonand the UK- why did you want to bring it here?
Following the success of the Berlin show, we have since added shows on other continents to the BCB family.
There is such high regard for the BCB brand across the international drinks industry that we felt that now was exactly the right time to bring the show to London - to showcase and celebrate the UK and Ireland as a central player in the global drinks and hospitality scene, with a rich and longstanding bar culture.
Who is it aimed at and who will get the most benefit from the show. Is it aimed at buyers or anyone working in hospitality?
BCB London will benefit buyers who are looking to discover new and innovative products from across the spirits, mixers, soft drinks and low and no categories. It also welcomes the wider drinks and hospitality community and offers an additional opportunity to network and learn about current and future industry trends to positively impact businesses.
What sort of exhibitors do you have taking part?
BCB London's director Petra Lassahn says it is exciting to be launching the BCB concept in the UK in London next week
We have more than 140 exhibitors joining us at BCB London and visitors can expect a diverse line-up of brands and products that highlight the latest in drinks innovation - from low and no beverages, to the cutting-edge of spirits innovation.
Can you give us an idea of some of the highlights of the show in terms of themes and key events?
There will be plenty to discover across the two-day event. Leading drinks brands will present their latest products, and visitors will have the opportunity to sample a new selection of spirits, mixers and low and no beverages.
Further education will also be central to the show and visitors can look forward to a broad and varied programme across three stages.
- The Main Stage will include masterclasses and panels by well-known hospitality and bar experts, curated by the BCB London Education Board.
- The Workshop Stage will feature hands-on education where visitors can taste and understand more about a range of drinks from different categories.
- The Brand Stage will highlight some of the latest and most exciting products in the UK today.
This year’s speakers include BCB brand ambassador, Jack Sotti, Club Soda’s, Laura Willoughby, drinks expert, Hannah McDermid and Cocktail Trading Co’s, Elliott Ball.
Kevin Armstrong and Dan Waddy of Satan’s Whiskers will be challengers bartenders to show their skills at the show
A pouring contest will also take place on both days of the event, hosted by Kevin Armstrong and Dan Waddy of Satan’s Whiskers. Kevin and Dan are challenging bartenders to test their pour speed and accuracy in return for the chance to win prizes.
The show will also be home to two special features: Local Heroes and Young Guns:
Local Heroes will celebrate standout drinks that are having a real impact in their local communities. Whether that’s gin made in the heart of southwest Wilshire, an all-natural bitter honey aperitif from London, or custom made pre-batched cocktails from Devon, there will be so many exciting brands to discover from across the whole of the UK.
Young Guns will showcase the latest, emerging brands whose products are making waves in the UK drinks scene. From Sake, to award-winning new vodkas, to black gin, there will be a whole host of new liquids to try.
At BCB London, we are proud to champion both local and emerging talent and provide a valuable platform for brand owners who are new to, or just starting out, in the industry.
Any key debates taking place and what issues are you looking to cover?
BCB London hopes to attract top bar talent from across the UK to BCB London next week
We have brought together a dedicated group of industry experts who have worked in partnership to curate an engaging education programme for BCB London.
Our dedicated BCB London Education Board is headed up by brand ambassador, Jack Sotti, and BCB director of education, Angus Winchester. They are joined on the board by cocktail and spirits expert Hannah Lanfear, as well as renowned drinks writers, Sandrae Lawrence and Gary Sharpen of The Cocktail Lovers.
The Education Board has created an inclusive and enriching schedule of high-calibre speakers, interactive workshops and insightful sessions using their own extensive network of industry contacts and their knowledge of the latest trends.
Key issues debated at the event will include the challenges and benefits of neurodiversity in hospitality, the future of socialising, parenthood in hospitality, the power of mentorship, turning passion into profit, recruiting and securing great talent, the importance of sustainability, and the continued growth of low and no.
You are also hosting BCB events in other parts of the world - where and why?
As well as the flagship Bar Convent Berlin in Germany, BCB has expanded its network of shows into Brooklyn, Singapore and São Paulo and now London. These events serve as an international platform for the bar and beverage industry to network, discover the latest product innovations and learn about the latest trends that are impacting the sector.
How much does it cost to attend and how do you sign up?
Tickets for BCB London are available at: Bar Convent London - Ticket Shop with a 50% discount available until June 30 using the code: LASTCALL50.
* To find out more about BCB London go to its website here.
* Bar Convent Berlin takes place between October 6-8. More details here.
