Ten unmissable drinks events and popups this October

Though Autum is fast approaching, and with it an onslaught of rain, October is the perfect month to lift the spirits – quite literally – with an incredible array of drinks events. Whether you want to slosh pints at a Bavarian-style Oktoberfest celebration, turn the spice up at Rumfest or indulge in a glass of wine at an elegant inner-city oasis, this roundup of alcohol-themed events and popups has you covered.

Oktoberfest at Kraft Dalston – 1^st October

Kraft Dalston will be celebrating its first ever Oktoberfest on 8^th October. The venue showcases German style beers at their best, all brewed according to the 1516 German purity law and served straight from the tank. For the Oktoberfest festivities, there will be a wide range of German beers being poured in 1L ‘stein’ mugs, or the usual pints and half pints, including Pilsners, Helles, Landbier, Hefeweizen, Hopfenweisse and a limited-edition Festbier, which was brewed specifically for the Oktoberfest celebrations. Book a free ticket here.

World Sake Day at Japan Centre – 1^st-10^th October

his year Japan Centre, the UK’s premier Japanese Food Hall, is hosting a series of special sake tastings and events to raise a glass to Japan’s most famous export for World Sake Day on 1^st October 2021. Guest can visit a Sake Brewery 2^nd October, or indulge in Sake Tastings at Japan Centre Ichiba, Westfield London and Japan Centre Leicester Square on 1^st-3^rd and 8^th–10^th October. Check out the full event schedule here. For a limited time only Japan Centre is also offering up to 20% of its sake range, available from its website. 

This month, the streets of Covent Garden have come alive with an immersive, neon art installation created by British artist Chila Burman. In celebration of this, The Ivy Market Grill is excited to transform its Henrietta Street entrance with a brightly coloured, peacock-inspired installation in collaboration with Bombay Sapphire. Firing up imaginations, the bar team have also created a visually tantalising and delicious cocktail menu for guests to enjoy. Firelite (£9.75) incorporates Bacardi Spiced Rum, triple sec, orange and chocolate bitters, finished with flaming overproof rum and a marshmallow for toasting. For further information or to book, visit their website here. 

Oktoberfest at Design District Canteen – 1^st-10^th October

Design District Canteen, Greenwich Peninsula’s newest food and drink destination, will be hosting their first ever Oktoberfest, bringing German beer and street food specials to their incredible food hall for a full ten days of October. From 1^st – 10^th October, there will be German beer on tap from The Canteen Bar, with German music playing all night long. Toasted, by The Great British Charcuterie Sandwich & Cheese Bar, will be putting on a spread of German specials for the occasion. For further information visit here.

London Craft Oktoberfest Party at Mercato Metropolitano – 8^th October

German Kraft at Elephant & Castle will be hosting their annual London Craft Oktoberfest party on 1^st October, hosted by German Kraft Brewery in Elephant & Castle in the 1200 -square-meter brew garden within Mercato Metropolitano. German Kraft will be pouring over 12 different German style craft beers from local breweries as well as their special 6% amber Festbier, available exclusively for the occasion. All beers will be available in the traditional 1L German stein glass, alongside the usual pints and half pints. Book a ticket here.

The Haven by Cloudy Bay at Selfridges – until mid-October

Cloudy Bay have recreated their majestic home of New Zealand at Selfridges, London and taken over the bar on the ground floor, where guests are transported to Marlborough, New Zealand, the home of Cloudy Bay, through an immersive and luxurious installation. The Cloudy Bay haven at Selfridges is more than just a wine and cocktail bar: it emulates the bay in New Zealand–- showcasing its special, awe inspiring, untouched beauty. For further information visit their website here.

Rumfest – 16^th-17^th October

After 2020’s successful virtual event, RumFest is returning as a physical event as part of London Rum Week. Starting on 16^th October 2021, RumFest Live is back and has a brand new element, the Spiced Rum Show, which will take place on 17^th October 2021. Guests this year will be able to enjoy seminars, demonstrations, exhibitions and Carnival Time, with great live music, dancing and exciting food traders. The event is being held at ILEC Conference Centre in Earl’s Court. For more information or to book, visit here.

Undercurrent at Sexy Fish – every Thursday throughout October

Sexy Fish London, the Berkeley Square hotspot, has just launched Undercurrent, a new unmissable Thursday night event series, featuring DJs late into the night, a tantalising menu, aquatic-themed performers, and unique cocktails created in collaboration with The House of Suntory. This season, late-night visitors can book a table for Undercurrent online, with performances and guest DJs from 10pm onwards. Each month, from October to December, will be themed around an incredible ocean phenomenon. Book a ticket here.

Oktoberfest at Boxpark Wembley and Croydon – 16^th and 23^rd October

Celebrate the annual Bavarian Beer Festival at Boxpark as its Oktoberfest extravaganza returns this year in Croydon and Wembley. Stomp your feet to boisterous beats of oompah bands, live music, hosts and DJs whilst enjoying a selection of frothy steins and beers, alongside delicious Bavarian-style street food from Boxpark’s traders. The Oktoberfest events are in Boxpark Wembley on Saturday 16^th October and Boxpark Croydon on Saturday 23^rd October, with three sessions available. Book a ticket here.

London Oyster Festival 2021

This Sunday 3^rd October the infamous Notting Hill Fish & Meat Shop will be launching the inaugural and official London Oyster Festival 2021 in partnership with Guinness and Tabasco. There will be Guinness on tap throughout the event from midday to 6pm, and oysters will be priced at £2 each, regardless of the topping. Ten incredible producers from around the UK have been chosen to participate in the event in what will be a magnificent showcase of each of these delicious and distinguished varieties. No reservation required.