It’s caffeine, it’s a cocktail… it’s everything you want, really.
Everyone has a favourite festival, but a perky new contender sashays into the city next week: London’s Espresso Martini Festival. The boozy, anti-snoozy creation was concocted back in the hedonistic 1980s after a customer asked for a drink that would “wake me up and then fuck me up”. Having won hearts and minds ever since it’s only fitting it gets a worthy celebration – and we’ve got our hands on tickets.
After a smashing success in the inaugural edition last year, the organisers have wisely decided on a second round. Your alcoholic caffeine fix sets up in the capital from August 16-19th, and the kickoff event is pretty special. They’ll be giving away 1000 fabulous and free espresso martinis on Thursday, Aug 16 at 7pm, to get you buzzed about the week ahead. With a hub on Dray Walk at the Old Truman Brewery, you’ll also find a bottomless brunch and Mr Black’s Church of Coffee, with original and inventive twists on the cocktail available all day.
The festival isn’t just confined to Brick Lane, however. Once you’ve got your hands on a ticket, your espresso martini dreams start to rapidly come true across town. You’ll have the option to buy £6 espresso martinis from more than 100 London bars, including Basement Sate, Discount Suit Company, Tonight Josephine, and Original Sin. Basically, you can get your caffeine hit no matter which part of the capital you’re frequenting.