Shop while you sip, cocktail making masterclasses and more in Seven Dials

Team LBD have been out in force during London Cocktail Week trying out the best cocktails, conjuring up our own concoctions and attending the chicest parties (all in the name of work you'll understand) and we've found the finest of them all for you. So slip in to to your slinkiest cocktail dress (we've got loads here) and pencil these fantastic cocktail cool things to try, taste and do this London Cocktail Week.

SHOP WHILE YOU SIP

Sample a whole array of cocktails whilst browsing the rails at a host of independent boutiques, heritage brands and indulgent beauty and grooming salons throughout Seven Dials. Shopping and drinking cocktails- why haven't we thought of this before!? Bootlegger Sippin' Bar at Bolongaro Trevor, 1 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LX Discover Bootlegger – an authentic taste of the American prohibition era. Expect to be served 1920s American inspired moonshine, expertly captured by their bartender with the unique Capone cocktail. This is a great little place for finding unique dresses that you won't see anyone else in too. Get down and get sippin'! Dates & times: Wednesday 10^th October, 5-7pm;Thursday 11th & Friday 12^th October, 5-8pm; Saturday 13^th October, 1-5pm. Cointreau Cocktails at Coco de Mer, 23 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DD The erotic emporium filled with super-luxe lingerie in the heart of Seven Dials will be home to a pop up Cointreau bar where shoppers will be treated to cocktails by their expert mixologist and a goodie bag (whilst stocks last) this week, so make sure you drop in. Dates & times: Monday 8^th October to Sunday 14^th October 4-7pm (Thursday 11^th October, 4-8pm) Cro'Jack store launch with Greenhall's Gin, 38 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9EP British menswear brand, Cro'Jack is opening during London Cocktail Week and is the perfect opportunity to treat the man/men (we're not judging) in your life to their winter collection whilst enjoying a G&T yourself, courtesy of Greenhall's Gin. Dates & times: Wednesday 10^th October, 4-8pm. Murdock Mixology and Sacred Microdistillery, Murdock London, 18 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9HB Oh we do spoil those boys, don't we? Male grooming specialists, Murdock London presents an evening of bespoke cocktails and microdistilling wizardry from Scared, one of London's most prestigious new gin producers. We're not sure how well hair-cuts and cocktails mix but since it's not our tresses on the receiving end, we'll be drinking on! The event is free, but booking is essential. Dates & times: Wednesday 10^th October, 7pm. To book/more info: tickets available from moustaches@murdocklondon.com.

POP-UPS AND MASTERCLASSES

Head to Seven Dials to enjoy a cocktail in one of London Cocktail Week's exclusive pop-up bars, or try your hand at learning the art of cocktail making with bespoke masterclasses in Covent Garden. London Cocktail Week Ketel One Hub, 15 Shorts Gardens, WC2H 9AT Seven Dials will play host to the London Cocktail Week hub in association with Ketel One Vodka. This hub will be the collection point for the London Cocktail Week wristbands (get yours here now for ¬£4 or during the week for ¬£10) unlocking offers throughout Seven Dials and the rest of London. The pop-up will also house a speakeasy bar with daily masterclasses. Booking is advised. Dates & times: Wristband collection open Monday 8^th October to Sunday 14^th October, 10am–8pm. Masterclasses hosted daily from 5.30-6.30pm. Smatt's Rum & Ice Cream Shack, 53 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9DG Rum, cocktails and ice cream all in one pop up? Yup, in fact you can get them all in one delicious mouthful at the Smatt's Rum & Ice Cream Shack. Reservations for the daily masterclasses are advised or just pop by for a drink in a sorbet inspired frock. Dates & times: Monday 8th October to Sunday 14^th October, noon–9pm. Bon Vivant on Monkey's Shoulder, 51 Neal Street, WC2H 9AT Come and join the party as infamous Edinburgh bar Bon Vivant and the Monkey Shoulder team serve up playful twists, subversive slings, flips and grogs in their familiar warm and welcoming style. Plenty to taste and most importantly - to enjoy. Also take part in their Cocktail Bootcamps which are nowhere near as scary as they sound. Booking is essential. Dates & times: Monday 8^th October to Sunday 14^th October, 11am–9pm. Cocktail Bootcamps will take place 6.30-8.30pm on Tuesday 9^th, Wednesday 10^th & Thursday 11^th October. Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka at Mercer Street Hotel, 20 Mercer Street, WC2H 9HD Polish vodka, Zubrowka will be entertaining Mercer Street Hotel visitors with a menu inspired by the unique herbaceous taste of the original bison grass vodka. The hotel will also play host to a number of masterclasses by other spirits and liqueurs. Toast the occasion in a grass green dress, we like the Matilda & Quinn Alice Dress. Again, book ahead to avoid disappointment. Dates & times: Monday 8^th October to Sunday 14^th October, various times. The Ginstitute, 15-16 Thomas Neal Centre, Cucumber Alley, WC2H 9DP Join the Ginstitute's resident Gin Instructor as he helps you blend and bottle your own bespoke, one-of-a-kind gin. You'll get a bottle to take away, and the recipe will be kept on file for you to reorder as often as you need - you will never have to buy supermarket gin again! Just passing? Pop in to pick up a bottle of gin in the Portobello Road Gin Shop. Dates & times: Open Monday 8^th October to Sunday 14^th October noon–7pm. Gin blending classes at various times.

EVENTS

Whether you're out and about with friends at the weekend or looking for a date night with a difference Team LBD recommend giving one of these two sumptuous Seven Dials events a go.

Cottons Speakeasy, Seven Dials Club, 42 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LA

Celebrate the start of RumFest at a 20s Speakeasy party in Seven Dials in association with Angostura Rum. The dress code? 20s-style flapper fashion, be sure to dress to impress! You can't go wrong with the flapper-esque Rise Fashion Elizabeth Dress. Your ¬£10 ticket gains entry and 2 drinks tokens. Dates & times: Friday 12^th October 8pm-1am. Meet the Johnnie Walker family, The Loft at The Club at The Ivy, 1-5 West Street, WC2H 9NE A tantalising tasting hosted by Kabir Suharan & Colin Dunn. Canapés and live music will greet you so be sure to wear sensible shoes! Tickets must be purchased in advance, ¬£50. Dates & times: Thursday 11^th October, 9-11pm. For more information and to book these masterclasses visit the London Cocltail Week website here.