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An espresso martini festival is coming to the UK this month – and our mouths are watering

It’s taking over venues in Brighton, London, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle and more

Chiara Wilkinson
Written by
Chiara Wilkinson
Deputy Editor, UK
Two espresso martinis
Photograph: Shutterstock
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Calling all lovers of the caffeinated shaken, not stirred. Of the ‘wake me up and fuck me up’. Of the glorious, soft, sweet, energising goodness we call the espresso martini. 

Legend has it the iconic cocktail was created in the ’80s by London bartender Dick Bradsell, who also invented the Bramble. A young model – rumoured to be Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss – supposedly walked into Fred’s Club and asked for something to ‘wake me up and fuck me up’. Hence, the espresso martini was born.

The silky combo of vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur and sugar has been a favourite drinks order ever since, appearing in bar menus, Instagram stories and bottomless brunches across the world. Now, an espresso martini festival has arrived, which will be taking over bars across the country for ten days straight this month.

The festival is run by Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur and is taking place from September 19 to 29. It claims it will ‘spotlight one of the UK’s favourite drinks as you’ve never seen them before’, offering the chance to taste different takes on the classic cocktail, and featuring takeovers, pairings and special serves with some of the country’s top bartenders and venues. 

Obviously, this is a clever bit of a brand marketing from Mr Black. But, any excuse to load up on the espresso martinis, and we’ll take it – right? Check out the participating venues below.

Shelter Hall, Brighton

Absent Ear, Glasgow

August house, Glasgow

Daddy Marmalades, Glasgow

Devil of Brooklyn, Glasgow

Hutchesons, Glasgow

Kelvingrove Café, Glasgow

Partick Tavern, Glasgow

Philles, Glasgow

Tabac, Glasgow

Tabula Rasa, Leeds

Archive & Myth, London

Balans, London

Bantof, London

Bodeans, London

CTC, London

Demon Wise And Partners, London

Dram, London

Red Hand, London

Surbitionan Vine, London

Horticulture, Newcastle

Horticulture at the Coast, Newcastle

Picture House Social, Newcastle

Public, Sheffield

The Foresters, Sheffield

1932, Southampton

Cabinet rooms, Winchester

Forest Row, Worthing

Proper good cocktails, according to Time Out

We like a drink here at Time Out. And we like to think we know a thing or two about what makes a good drink. We’ve tried and tested dozens of bars across the country: from the best cocktail bars in London, to Glasgow and Leeds. Cheers to that!

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