The Best Christmas Market Near You in 2024

No one loves the long winter nights that bring darkness by the afternoon, but in the build up to Christmas, this darkness is filled with the glimmering twinkle of Christmas markets. Come November, Britain’s towns and cities burst into full festive mode with chalets selling their wares, pop-up bars bustling with life and all manner of entertainment from giant wheels to magical ice rinks. There’s something special going on almost everywhere, but these are the Christmas markets that take things to that next level.

Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland, London

We can’t not include Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, promising, yet again, a festive dreamland that keeps visitors of all ages entertained. Home to the UK’s largest open-air ice-skating rink, carnival rides galore, and a sprawling Christmas market, this attraction is a London winter must-see on a scale not seen anywhere else. Not only are there the Bavarian stalls for handcrafted gifts and tasty treats like churros, bratwursts, and warming mugs of mulled wine, but other gates grant access to much more; the 70m observation wheel, a grotto, live music, ice bars, sculptures and fire pits to name a few. In terms of tickets, entrance costs between £5 and £7.50 (it’s London guys!), but there are a few different options and discounts depending on when you go and whether you pre-book rides – take a look on the site below. It’s also worth mentioning that it’s a stone’s throw from the incredible window displays of Regent and Oxford Street.

Dates: November 21 2024 - January 5 2025
Nearest station: Victoria and Paddington
Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch
Nearest car park: Q-Park
Website

South Bank, London

Right by the London Eye, the South Bank Winter Festival brings unique stalls offering global food delights, the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge, and a breathtaking riverside view. Alongside the market, there’s a full line-up of festive shows and events to catch nearby, making it an ideal stop for a festive night out in the capital. Look out for multi-sensory experiences, exhibitions, live podcasts and more.

Dates: November 1 2024 –  26 December 2024 (though some events continue after this)
Nearest station: Waterloo and Southwark
Nearest tube: Waterloo, Southwark and Embankment
Nearest car park: APCOA South Bank
Website

Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham

If you want a huge Christmas market to explore, look no further. Birmingham’s festival is the biggest outside of Germany and Austria, bringing Bavarian charm and festive cheer to Victoria Square and New Street. Known for traditional bratwurst, gluhwein, and stollen, it is teeming with handcrafted gifts, charming chalets, and carol singing. Expect big wheels, ice rinks and a singing Christmas moose called ‘Chris Moose’ too.

Dates: November 1 2024 –  24 December 2024
Nearest station: Birmingham New Street
Nearest car park: Swallow Street/Town Hall
Website

Edinburgh Christmas Market, Edinburgh

Of course, this festival hotspot has a cracking Christmas Market. In recent years, it’s expanded across Princes Street Gardens to The Mound and up the Royal Mile, all set against possibly the best-looking backdrop in the UK. Expect stalls full of artisan crafts, gourmet foods, and Christmas magic including Santa’s stories, the big wheel, illuminated paths, and a 450 strong Christmas Tree maze. And all for free!

Dates: November 15, 2024 - January 4, 2024
Nearest station: Edinburgh Waverley
Nearest car park: Castle Terrace
Website

Winter Wonderland, Nottingham

Positioned underneath one of the most impressive giant Christmas trees is East Midlands’ largest Christmas market, lighting up Nottingham’s Old Market Square with 70 Bavarian-style stalls, fairground rides, and live music. Grotto, ice rink, observation wheel, rides and a stunning ice bar – it’s the complete package.

Dates: November 13, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Nearest station: Nottingham
Nearest car park: Lace Market, Trinity Square and Broad Marsh
Website

Manchester Christmas Market, Manchester

One of the UK’s longest-standing and largest Christmas markets, Manchester’s festive zones take over nine city locations, with Albert Square’s grand setting leading the way. Visit Exchange Square, Cathedral Gardens, and Piccadilly Gardens to experience the best of European market flair, with everything from handmade crafts to mulled wine… and we mean everything – the variety is remarkable. Bear in mind that many stalls here are cash-only!

Dates: November 8, 2024 – December 22, 2024
Nearest station: Victoria, Piccadilly, or Oxford Road Station
Nearest car park: King Street West and China Town (parking in Ancoats is quieter and cheaper, and still within walking distance)
Website

Bath Christmas Market, Bath

Nestled within UNESCO World Heritage site Bath’s Georgian streets, the Christmas market is beloved for its distinctive artisan crafts, handmade gifts, and local food and drink options. The 150+ chalet stalls, all locally sourced, reflect the market’s commitment to quality and authenticity. With Bath Abbey as a backdrop, it’s a truly scenic holiday setting, and the perfect stop for a day of festive shopping, then unwinding at Bath’s famous spa. This market is consistently recognised as one of the UK’s best.

Dates: November 28, 2024 – December 15, 2024
Nearest station: Bath Spa (it’s also not far from London)
Nearest car park: Manvers Street, Avon Street and Kingsmead Square
Website

Cardiff Christmas Market, Cardiff

Named The Times’ Number One market in the UK, Cardiff’s Christmas Market has been perfecting its festive charm for 30 years this year, so it’s a big anniversary! Celebrating handmade craftsmanship, it features unique items from local artisans, whether that’s stunning glasswork, intricate ceramics, or beautifully crafted jewellery. Vendors change every 5-10 days, so you’ll find new treasures every week. Stroll through Hayes, Trinity Street, St. John, and Working Street to enjoy seasonal aromas and the sparkle of one-of-a-kind gifts, all in charming pedestrian-only areas.

Dates: November 14, 2024 – December 23, 2024
Nearest station: Cardiff Central and Queen Street
Nearest car park: NCP Westgate Street, NCP Cardiff Rappots
Website

Winchester Cathedral, Winchester

Winchester Cathedral’s enchanting Christmas market has earned its place among Europe’s Top Ten and was named the UK’s second-best Christmas market in 2018. With around 100 thoughtfully chosen chalets, it transforms the Cathedral grounds into a festive wonderland, filled with tempting treats and unique gifts. The atmosphere is completed by the Cathedral Choir’s uplifting carols, adding an unforgettable, magical touch to this historic setting.

Dates: November 22, 2024 – December 22, 2024
Nearest station: Winchester (near Southampton, and 1hr from London)
Nearest car park: Barfied P&R and St. Catherines P&R
Website

St Nicholas Fair, York

York’s beautiful Christmas Market is set against a backdrop of historical charm, making it a must-visit during the festive season. Stroll past alpine-style chalets filled with locally crafted gifts, artwork, and delicious seasonal treats. The towering Christmas tree and talented buskers fill the streets with holiday spirit, while the twinkling lights set a cozy, magical mood. York’s compact layout makes exploring on foot easy, with highlights like The Shambles Market adding an extra touch of medieval allure. This award-winning market is a true festive gem.

Dates: November 17, 2024 – December 23, 2024
Nearest station: York
Nearest car park: Coppergate or Q-Park, but York Park & Ride is free, with £3.60 buses every 12mins.
Website

If you really want to embrace the Christmas countdown, how about a Wine Advent Calendar?

Every UK Drinks Festival in 2024

The UK is brimming with an eclectic mix of drinks festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from craft beer to gin, whisky, wine, and more. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just love a good tipple, these events offer a fantastic opportunity to explore new flavours, meet like-minded enthusiasts, and simply enjoy a drink or two in great company.

We all want to try more drinks, but few of us want to spend full price on a big bottle only to find out we’re not that keen. Samples are the solution, and at these festivals, you never know what you’re going to find. Dive in to discover the best UK drinks festivals happening in 2024!

Drinks Festivals in February 2024

Great British Beer Festival Winter 2024 - Burton (15th-17th February 2024)

Warm up with a selection of the UK’s finest winter ales, porters, and stouts. This cosy festival is the perfect escape from the January chill, offering a wide range of hearty brews to sample.

Address: Burton Town Hall, King Edward Place, Burton upon Trent, DE14 2EB
Website: https://winter.gbbf.org.uk/

Drinks Festivals in March 2024

The Bath & West Food & Drink Festival 2024 (23rd -24th March 2024)

If you’re local to Somerset then this is a great day out. All taking place at The Showground, there will be a bierkeller-style area, expert talks, incredible food and drink pairings, a Kids Zone and best of all, The British Cheese Awards! The cheeses are judged on the 22nd, and then you can try the winners the very next day.

Address: The Showground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN
Website: https://www.bathandwestshowground.com/events/the-bath-west-food-drink-festival-2024

Drinks Festivals in April 2024

Gin & Rum Festival Birmingham (5th-6th April 2024)

One of the UK’s largest gin and rum festivals hits Birmingham, featuring over 120 bottles, live music, DJ and expert talks. Explore a diverse range of flavours and find your new favourite in the legendary Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

Address: Edgbaston Cricket Ground
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gin-rum-festival-birmingham-2024-tickets-619190775277

The London Coffee Festival (11th-14th April 2024)

Dive into the vibrant world of coffee with this festival featuring tastings, latte art competitions, workshops, and live music. A dynamic event for coffee aficionados and casual drinkers alike.

Address: Old Truman Brewery, Brick Ln, London E1 6QL
Website: www.londoncoffeefestival.com

Cardiff Gin & Rum Festival (20th April 2024)

Explore a delightful selection of gins and rums at this charming but lively festival in Cardiff. With tastings, mixology workshops, and live music, it’s a fun and informative way to spend a day in the Welsh capital.

Address: The Great Hall, Cardiff
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gin-rum-festival-cardiff-2024-tickets-469871507327

Bristol Gin & Rum Festival (27th April 2024)

Celebrate the world of gin and rum at this vibrant festival in Bristol. With tastings, masterclasses, live music and local food, it’s a lively and educational event for spirit lovers of all levels.

Address: City Hall, Bristol
Website: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bristol/City-Hall-Bristol/Gin--Rum-Festival-Bristol-2024/36746063/

Drinks Festivals in May 2024

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (1st-6th May 2024)

One of the world’s biggest whisky festivals, this event takes place across the Speyside region, home to over 50 distilleries. Enjoy tastings, tours, and whisky-paired dinners in the heart of Scotland’s whisky country.

Address: Various locations across Speyside, Scotland
Website: www.spiritofspeyside.com

Midlands Whisky Festival (10th May 2024)

Enjoy a wide selection of whiskies from around the globe, with tastings led by whisky experts. Perfect for both seasoned whisky drinkers and those looking to explore this complex spirit.  Over 300 whiskies and the opportunity to sample some £500 gems!

Address: The Studio, 7 Cannon St, Birmingham, B2 5EP
Website: https://www.whiskyfest.co.uk/

The Cambridge Beer Festival (20th-25th May 2024)

As one of the UK’s oldest beer festivals, Cambridge Beer Festival offers a wide array of real ales, ciders, and perries, all served alongside traditional British food like cheese, pies, and pork scratchings.

Address: Jesus Green, Cambridge CB4 1HA
Website: www.cambridgebeerfestival.com

London Wine Fair (20th-22nd May 2024)

A must-attend event for wine enthusiasts, the London Wine Fair offers access to thousands of wines from over 30 countries. With tastings, seminars, and industry insights, it’s a fantastic event for discovering new wines.

Address: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX
Website: www.londonwinefair.com

FyneFest - Argyll (31st May- 2nd June 2024)

A unique festival set in the stunning Scottish Highlands, FyneFest combines craft beer, local food, and live music. It’s a family-friendly event with a relaxed, community vibe, celebrating the best of Scottish brewing.

Address: Fyne Ales Brewery, Achadunan, Cairndow PA26 8BJ
Website: www.fynefest.com

Drinks Festivals in June 2024

The Craft Beer Expo 2024 - Liverpool (6th-8th June 2024)

This annual event is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring over 40 breweries offering a diverse selection of craft beers, real cider, organic wine, and even boozy ice cream. Food lovers can look forward to vendors like Fatback Smash Burgers, Antojitos Tacos, and Dough Bros Pizza. The event also includes live music from Matsuri DJs, promising a vibrant festival vibe.

Address: Black Lodge Brewery, Baltic Triangle, Liverpool
Website: https://www.craftbeerexpo.co.uk/

Bristol Craft Beer Festival (7th-8th June 2024)

Bristol’s lively craft beer festival brings together local and international brewers for a weekend of excellent beer, food, and live music. A great way to experience the city’s vibrant and legendary beer scene.

Address: Lloyds Amphitheatre, Explore Ln, Bristol BS1 5LL
Website: www.bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

The Gin To My Tonic Festival (22nd  June 2024)

Newcastle’s gin scene shines at this festival featuring a wide selection of gins, including local favourites and international classics. But that’s not all, you’ll be able to meet a wide variety of craft distillers first hand, hear their backstories, botanical make up, distillation techniques along with all the special things that make them unique. Perfect for gin lovers looking for something new.

Address: The Boiler Shop, 20 South St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3PE
Website: https://thegintomytonic.com/festivals/

Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival (21st-23rd June 2024)

A celebration of culinary delights and drinks, this festival offers a fantastic selection of wines, beers, spirits, and food from around the world. Live demos from top chefs and experts make this a must-visit event.

Address: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW
Website: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com

Manchester Rum Festival (22nd June 2024)

Explore the world of rum at Manchester’s premier rum event. Sample a variety of rums from around the globe, with tastings, masterclasses, and the chance to meet distillers.

Address: Viadux, Albion St, Manchester M1 5NZ
Website: www.manchesterrumfestival.com

Drinks Festivals in July 2024

Imbibe Live - London (1st-2nd July 2024)

Imbibe Live is a leading event for drinks professionals, offering tastings, seminars, and networking opportunities. From spirits to soft drinks, this event covers the full spectrum of the drinks industry.

Address: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX
Website: https://live.imbibe.com/

Ealing Beer Festival (10th-13th July 2024)

One of London’s largest beer festivals, featuring hundreds of real ales, ciders, and perries. Set in the picturesque Walpole Park, this festival is perfect for beer lovers looking for a relaxed outdoor event.

Address: Walpole Park, Mattock Ln, London W5 5EQ
Website: www.ealingbeerfestival.co.uk

Liverpool Craft Beer Expo (11th-13th July 2024)

A vibrant celebration of craft beer in Liverpool, featuring breweries from across the UK and beyond. Expect innovative brews, street food, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Address: The Baltic Triangle, Liverpool L1 0BS
Website: www.liverpoolcraftbeerexpo.com

Hyper Sake Street- London (19th-21st July 2024)

Discover the nuanced world of sake at this unique festival. Enjoy tastings, pairings, and workshops that delve into the intricacies of this Japanese rice wine, offering something for both beginners and aficionados.

Address: Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX
Website: https://hyperjapan.co.uk/festival/exhibitor/sake-street-2024/

Drinks Festivals in August 2024

London Craft Beer Festival (9th-10th August 2024)

Celebrate the best of craft brewing with over 100 breweries showcasing their finest beers. With live music, street food, and plenty of pints, it’s a beer lover’s paradise. There’ll be delicious dishes from top London restaurants like 10 Greek Street, Bone Daddies & Tendril too. The best thing? All the beer is included in your ticket price.

Address: Tobacco Dock, Wapping Ln, London E1W 2SF
Website: www.londoncraftbeerfestival.co.uk

Whisky Fringe – Edinburgh (9th-11th August 2024)

In its 22nd year, the Whisky Fringe has now added a brand-new American zone, an Ardbeg takeover, a Highball Hut and a Two Glass Masterclass. These join an already stacked offering including a full exploration and education into exceptional whisky. It’s a well known event in the whisky community because it’s created by and for enthusiasts.

Address: Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh
Website: https://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/whisky-fringe-festival/

East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival– Bury St Edmunds (21st-26th August 2024)

In its 32nd year, 250 real ales, 40 ciders and countless local food stalls fill out the beautiful St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Suffolk for a celebration of beer and cider. Sip on local produce in front of the full entertainment programme in divine surroundings.

Address: St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Angel Hill, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1LS
Website: https://burystedmundsbeerfestival.com

Drinks Festivals in September 2024

Leeds International Beer Festival (5th-8th September 2024)

Celebrate craft beer from around the world at this super popular festival. With live music, street food, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great way to enjoy some of the best beers on the planet. Check out their beautiful posters too.

Address: Kirkstall Abbey
Website: www.leedsbeer.com

The Whisky Show- London (6th-8th September 2024)

Partnered with The Whisky Exchange and a dream come true for whisky connoisseurs, this show features a collection of rare and vintage whiskies. Taste some of the finest and most exclusive drams in the world while learning from industry experts. The UK’s most popular whisky tasting for a reason.

Address: Old Billingsgate, 1 Old Billingsgate Walk, London, EC3R 6DX
Website: https://whiskyshow.com/

The Surrey Gin Fest (7th September 2024)

This is the UK’s biggest celebration of all things gin, set amongst the glamorous backdrop of Loseley Park. Artisan food, great live music and premium craft gins in the sun from 30 wildly different bars. A big gin bash like no other.

Address: Loseley Park, Guildford, GU3 1HS
Website: https://www.ginfestco.com/

The Hebridean Whisky Festival (9th- 14th September 2024)

This is a travelling festival over  five days that celebrates and stops off at the Hebridean Whisky Trail. Island-hopping its way through Jura, North Uist, Benbecula, Isle of Harris, Talisker and Raasay, the big festival finale on the 14th will see all members of the trail come together at Toabhaig. Expect masterclasses, live music, delicious food and incredible vistas along the way.

Address: Various Hebridean Distileries
Website: https://hebrideanwhisky.com/festival/

York Food & Drink Festival (20th-29th September 2024)

A ten-day celebration of food and drink in the historic city of York. With a wide range of events, from tastings to workshops, this festival offers something for everyone, including craft beer, wine, and gin.

Address: Mainly Parliament Street, but also various locations across York
Website: www.yorkfoodfestival.com

Drinks Festivals in October 2024

London Cocktail Week (3rd-13th October 2024)

London Cocktail Week prides itself on a schedule of events including parties, tastings, lunches, dinners, national and international takeovers and masterclasses led by world-leading, award-winning bartenders. The full timetable of exciting events will be announced in September.

Address: Various locations across London
Website: https://londoncocktailweek.com/events/

Edinburgh Whisky Festival (5th October 2024)

A must-visit for whisky lovers, this festival showcases the best of Scotland’s whisky distilleries. With tastings, workshops, and expert talks, it’s a deep dive into Scotland’s favourite spirit. Heritage, Wellness and the Whisky itself are the three themes this year after a sold out 2023 festival. You can even see a whisky cask being assembled which is a rare sight.

Address: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Murrayfield, Roseburn Street, Edinburgh, EH12 5PJ
Website: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/events/edinburghs-whisky-festival-2024-p2950371

Midlands Whisky Festival (5th-6th October 2024)

Enjoy a wide selection of whiskies from around the globe, with tastings led by whisky experts. Perfect for both seasoned whisky drinkers and those looking to explore this complex spirit.  Over 300 whiskies and the opportunity to sample some £500 gems!

Address: The Studio, 7 Cannon St, Birmingham, B2 5EP
Website: https://www.whiskyfest.co.uk/

RumFest (12th-13th October 2024)

This is officially the world’s longest-running rum festival, and in 2024 it returns to the ILEC Conference Centre in Earls Court. Over the course of two days, hundreds of rums are available to test and try, cocktail masterclasses are there to dazzle and live music and food is all in accompaniment.

Address: ILEC Conference Centre, 47 Lillie Rd, London SW6 1UD
Website: https://rumfest.co.uk

Oktoberfest - London (17th-19th October 2024 / 25th-26th October 2024)

Experience a slice of Bavaria in London with this large-scale Oktoberfest celebration. Featuring traditional German beers, food, and live oompah bands, it’s a festive way to enjoy the autumn season. Of course, there are more than one Oktoberfest bashes in the capital, so if you’re looking for this specifically, make sure to check your nearest!

Address: St Paul’s Green London W6 9HW / Walpole Park, Mattock Ln, London W5 5EQ
Website: https://london-oktoberfest.co.uk/

Liverpool Gin & Rum Festival (26th October 2024)

Head down to the crypt for this celebration of gin and rum. Enjoy a wide selection of gins and rums from around the world at this really popular festival. With live entertainment, food stalls, and plenty of tastings, it’s a lively day out for spirit enthusiasts… and you might get more spirits than you bargained for down there.

Address: Lutyens Crypt Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Website: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Liverpool/Lutyens-Crypt-Liverpool-Metropolitan-Cathedral/Gin--Rum-Festival-Liverpool-2024/36746374/

Drinks Festivals in November 2024

Leeds Whisky Festival - (2nd November 2024)

This festival attracts whisky fans from across the UK, providing a generous opportunity to taste a massive range of whiskies and learn the story behind them. Upgraded to The Royal Armouries, it’s now bigger than ever with more on offer than ever before.

Address: Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive Leeds LS10 1LT
Website https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leeds-whisky-festival-2024-tickets-865422842017

Glasgow Whisky Festival - (9th November 2024)

This festival showcases the best whiskies from across Scotland, offering tastings, masterclasses, and opportunities to meet the distillers. A must for whisky enthusiasts.

Address: Radisson Blu Hotel, 301 Argyle St, Glasgow G2 8DL
Website: https://glasgowswhiskyfestival.com/2020-2/

CAMRA Bristol Beer & Cider Festival (14th-17th November 2024))

Celebrate the West Country’s favourite tipple at the Bristol Cider Festival – now with beer too! With dozens of ciders and beers to try, live folk music, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a perfect weekend for cider enthusiasts.

Address: City Hall, College Green, Bristol
Website: http://www.camrabristol.org.uk

Gin & Rum Festival – Newcastle (16th November 2024)

The Gin & Rum Festival returns following its immensely popular first visit to Newcastle Cathedral in 2023. Discover new favourites with samples from hand-picked guest distillers, treat yourself at themed gin and rum bars, and enjoy music from award-winning DJs and live entertainment. You will be spoilt for choice with over 120 spirits from around the world and a vast range of flavoured products, many of which are exclusive to the event. If gin and rum isn’t for you, you can also choose from seasonal cocktails, authentic sipping tequilas, beer, and fizz!

Address: Newcastle Cathedral, St Nicholas Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1PF, United Kingdom, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear NE1 1PF
Website: https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/event/gin-rum-festival-newcastle-2024/

English Whisky Festival (23rd November 2024)

Established in 2020, the English Whisky Festival is now its 3rd year, celebrating the flourishing English side to whisky. Single malts, grain whiskies and plenty of innovative creation await you, whether you’re a connoisseur or a total newbie.

Address: The Bond, Digbeth, Birmingham
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/english-whisky-festival-2024-tickets-794251496607

Cheltenham Christmas Wine Festival (25th November 2024)

An exciting evening in a beautiful location, Tivoli Wines presents 150 still and sparkling wines from both the New and Old World. It’s a great place to sample all kinds of wines you’ve been curious about, from Champagne and English Sparkling to Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Address: Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham
Website: https://www.tivoliwines.co.uk/the-christmas-wine-festival/

Drinks Festivals in December 2024

The Gin To My Tonic Gin, Rum & Vodka Festival - Chester (7th December 2024)

Another event from ‘The Gin To My Tonic’(check for your nearest one), this is a coming together of craft spirit extraordinaries with one of the best stocked sampling rooms of any festival.  There may already be three spirits in the event name, but you can also expect tequila, cocktails, Prosecco and even beer… as well as live music and entertainment. A stacked day indeed.

Address: Chester Town Hall, Chester
Website: https://thegintomytonic.com/event/chester-gin-festival/

The UK’s drinks festivals offer something for every taste. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or just looking for a fun day out, these events are the perfect opportunity to explore new flavours and meet fellow drinks enthusiasts. Of course we can’t feature every single event here, so make sure to check local events out. Also, some food and drink festivals span many months, like The Great British Food Festival and Foodies. They’re not drinks exclusive of course, but if you sample your heart out, you’ll need to line your stomach!

How to Cool Wine and Beer Down Fast!

When everything else is sorted, is there anything more frustrating than a warm drink that should be chilled? If you find yourself with beer or wine that needs chilling pronto, then these tips will help. Now, there’s no magic involved here – if you want your drink colder, you’re gonna need to get the cold to the drink, either by putting something in it or around it.  Some require more effort than others, but all of them will make serving chilled drinks easier in the future. These are the best ways to cool down your wine and beer.

In the fridge

Well, it might be stating the obvious but by the time you’ve looked elsewhere for cooling options, your fridge could be doing the job. Obviously, if you’re on the move this isn’t an option, but if you’ve got the time, a fridge is the safest and most reliable option. No effort is needed, you just plonk it in. Depending on your fridge, it’ll take between 30-60 minutes to reach the temperature of your fridge… which you can usually adjust easily by the way! Sure, this isn’t going to work if you want to get drinking straight away, but if you can wait then it’s perfect. Oh, and chill horizontally – it cools quicker!

In the freezer

The pros and cons of the freezer are somewhat obvious. Of course, your drinks will chill quickly, in fact, they’ll be refrigerated temperature in about 15-20 minutes. However, if you are forgetful in any way, avoid this method. Beyond 20 minutes, wine bottles, beer bottles and cans will become structurally unsound and leak, crack or even explode – particularly if there’s plenty of bubbles. Also, the aromas and flavours will likely be altered and possibly ruined.

With a wet paper towel

This is something you can add as an additional trick to refrigeration or freezing. Wrapping a wet paper towel or tea towel around your bottle or can will speed up the cooling process because the cold is transferred to the liquid more efficiently. For example, in the freezer, you can expect your drink to be chilled in 10-15 minutes. If the towel is stuck to it when you take it out the freezer, just run it under the warm water tap for a second and it will slide off easily. Quick and effective.

With frozen grapes

For wine, toss a few frozen grapes into your glass. They chill your drink without watering it down, getting it to the perfect temperature within minutes. Plus, they’re edible and add a fun twist to your drink! What a useful garnish.

With metal stones

Along a similar vein as frozen grapes but more versatile and reusable are metal stones or whisky stones, which are essentially ice cubes that don’t melt. They often have a freezing gel inside or just conduct the cold brilliantly and will cool your drink down at the same rate as ice cubes – but with zero dilution. They don’t stay cold for that long though, be aware.

In an ice bucket

The bar and restaurant classic. If you have ice and a bucket available to you, this one is practical because it will chill your drink in less than 10 minutes, and you can pop it next to you to keep your next pour a crisp one. Remember to add a good amount of water as well as ice, and also a little salt lowers the freezing point of the water to make the ice melt faster and chill your drink quicker. A bottle of wine in a bucket of ice also looks pretty cool too.

In an active cooler

Most coolers promise to maintain the temperature of the things you put in, but active coolers bring the temperature down. Of course, power is required, so if you’re at the beach or somewhere then this won’t be any good, but if you’re by a plug socket, you’re in business. We recently identified our favourite coolers here. Each one has different weights, volumes and power but should take about as long as a fridge to cool your drinks.

With a corkcicle

These are neat and fairly new invention under a few different brand names. As you can see from the image, you freeze your ‘corkcicle’ for at least 90 minutes so it’s ready to replace the cork, or lid, of the wine you’ve just opened. Except with the corkcicle, the chilled extender reaches to the bottom of the bottle, chilling the liquid within. You can even pour through a tiny hole in the top of the cork. There are a few different options available online, so we won’t link a specific brand, but they all do similar things.

If you want to avoid this issue all together than a cooler is always best, so check out our best suggestions whatever your situation.

How Absolut and Tomorrowland Are Tackling Loneliness

For many festival goers, it’s a time to forget about worries back home and experience something different, but when so many people are having fun around you, it can feel incredibly isolating if you’re not. After all, some issues can’t be left at the gate. But, with the right support and through embracing the universal power and connection of live music, a more connected and inclusive community can be built – this is the continued aim of Absolut and Tomorrowland’s partnership.

Taking place in Belgium each year, Tomorrowland is one of the world’s largest electronic dance music festivals, attracting 400,000 attendees with 16 stages and over 800 DJs. You’ll most likely know Absolut from their vodkas of course, but as part of the Pernod Ricard group they’re also responsible for brands like Beefeater, Malibu, Kahlua and more.  The two joined forces in 2017, and it was in 2022 when they started their United We Dance platform. Each year, the committee sit down and pick an issue that’s particularly relevant to the kind of people attending their festivals. This year, that issue is one that has increased massively in recent years – loneliness.

The World Health Organisation declared loneliness a ‘pressing health threat’, launching its own commission to try and tackle the problem. They’ve warned that people, no matter the age, who are lonely or feel isolated are 30% more likely to die early, which is staggering. Of course it’s not just life expectancy that’s affected, but quality of life too. Loneliness is a well-known problem amongst older people, but fewer people know just how much it is affecting younger generations too. Also, research shows that underrepresented groups are more vulnerable to loneliness. Social media, pandemic ramifications, cultural change and so on have all been cited as factors, and of course, a collaboration like this isn’t going to solve such a gigantic problem, but any effort to combat it is meaningful.

In this increasingly online and isolated world, music festivals are a rarity by the nature of festival goers’ open-mindedness to human connection and facilitating cross-cultural exchange, so it’s a great place to try and extinguish some of this loneliness. Onsite and online activities, resources and platforms have been organised, including The Community Booth for meeting people, live podcasts with artists discussing mental health and daily speed networking events. Also, the festival paper will feature columns by renowned DJ and committee member Sunnery James as well as performers, delving deeper into experiences with loneliness. The platform is also looking to use social media for good, by providing platforms to find connections for solo attendees. Tad Greenough, Global Chief Creative Officer at The Absolut Company, said, "We believe the dance floor should be a space where everyone feels welcome. By coming together, we can foster empathy and understanding to drive positive change."

For more details on the United We Dance initiative and how it's fostering connections, visit United We Dance. Through this collaborative effort, Absolut and Tomorrowland are not just offering a festival experience but are playing their small part in creating a more connected and compassionate world. Bravo.

Glen Moray Begins Partnership With Senior Open Golf Tournament

Europe’s only senior major, The Senior Open, is a big deal in golf, and as it returns to Scotland between the 25th and 28th July, it arrives with new Official Whisky and fellow Scottish icon – Glen Moray.

It marks the teeing off of a three year, six-figure partnership during which Glen Moray’s team will serve dreamy drams and cocktails, one of which will be a bespoke commission, at their whisky bar in the Championship Village. 35,000 spectators are expected to see golf’s greatest legends in action over four days of play at the Carnoustie Golf Links.

But Glen Moray’s foray into golf doesn’t end there. They’ve also become the Official Whisky of the Tartan Pro Tour, which develops male and female golfers and was founded by 1999 Open Champion, Paul Lawrie. Glen Moray’s prestigious drams will be served at every leg of this 13-golf course tour.

If you’re not familiar with Glen Moray, then you must have no interest in Scotch whatsoever! It’s been created in historic Elgin, Speyside since the 19th century and is now one of the UK’s largest selling single malts. They have a diverse range but are known for their light, smooth and fruity style, as well as their innovative finishes.

For anyone lucky enough to be attending any of these picturesque golf events, you can now get a round of Glen Moray with your round of golf for the ultimate Scottish day out.

Is Wine Healthy and Good For You?

If you love your wine, then you’ll definitely have wondered how healthy it actually is. You’ll probably also have heard different things about, for example, red wine’s health benefits, and more so than anything, you’ll have hoped that all the good stuff is true, and the bad stuff is exaggerated. Let’s get to the bottom of it once and for all.

Research into this area has been ongoing for a long time, but dietitian Cynthia Sass recently published a medically reviewed article for Health.com that makes for very interesting reading. Ruby reds, with Pinot Noir leading the charts, contain significantly more antioxidants than other styles. These have numerous benefits including protection from free radicals which cause skin damage, skin elasticity, heart disease protection and so on.

Red wines like this can also boost good cholesterol whilst decreasing bad cholesterol, with moderate consumption linked to a 12% increase in good cholesterol. But the boons don’t end there. Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grape skins, but mainly red grapes and Pinot Noir has up to 16mg per litre. It’s been linked to plenty of health benefits including reductions in the risks of certain cancers.

White wines enjoyed far less skin contact time during their production, so miss out on many of these benefits. However, if you adore whites, then dry whites with less sugar are the healthier choice – certainly more than many spirits and cocktails.

One style of wine that also stands out as a bit of a winner for your health is orange wine, described in this latest research as the second healthiest after reds. There is plenty of skin contact to achieve the beautiful orange colouring, which results in a boost for antioxidants and polyphenols. Not as good as reds, but better than whites.

The other main piece of advice, no matter the wine style, is to try and go for organic. The full benefits aren’t yet known, but it’s believed that the reduced chemical-usage and pollution is not only better for the environment but better for you too.

Now, that’s the goodness that can be contained in wine covered, but of course, it isn’t plain sailing into the sun – far from it. Where we mentioned clearer, younger-looking skin earlier; well, excessive alcohol actually damages the skin. And this example highlights the most important thing to remember, that, let’s face it, we probably all knew anyway – moderation is the key.

So much of the research concerning the benefits of alcohol and wine is in development or conflicting and we just can’t be absolutely sure. Most researchers agree that ‘red wine in moderation’ doesn’t do much harm and is most likely to be fairly good for you for the reasons stated above – yippee! However, the negative effects of continued, excessive alcohol consumption are far more studied and known about – weight gain, strokes, liver damage, blood pressure, heart damage, cancers and so on.

In conclusion, you can sleep easy knowing that the most popular way to enjoy wine (a glass with dinner) on multiple days of the week is okay, and if it’s an organic, dry red then there’s every chance it’s good for you too. But don’t get your hopes up that this and this alone will keep you healthy. For example, it may be possible to get these same wine benefits from grape juice or grapes themselves, and it’s certainly possible to get them from other sources that are proven to be fantastic for your health like exercise and vegetables.

To finish with a bit of positivity, we want to remind you that researchers have also looked into the benefits of the act of drinking wine itself. Enjoying a wine that you find delicious, particularly with complimentary food and socialising with friends is beneficial to overall health. Not only is it fundamentally enjoyable, which is what life is all about, but experiencing this is also great for your health and mood.

What’s The Difference Between Tonic Water and Soda?

Tonic, Club Soda, Soda, Seltzer, and Sparkling Water – there are a few different terms both in the UK and across the pond to describe what is essentially fizzy water. But are they all just that – fizzy water?  Well, yes and no.

Most of the time, sparkling water, soda, seltzer, and club soda are now essentially the same thing. Sparkling water is more of a British term, whereas the other two are more American. Club Soda is more of a brand-focused term, seltzer is from Germany and soda is the generic name for what we could call sparkling water in the UK – but as you’ll probably know, it’s mostly used interchangeably these days.

Of course, there are some differences. Different water, production and brands vary in terms of minerality and bubbles. Not only that, but club soda tends to have more minerality added rather than naturally occurring. Seltzer, however, is less minerally so more like plain water that has been carbonated. But give or take, they’re generally the same; carbonated water with varying levels of minerals in them.

Tonic, on the other hand, is notably different from soda. So, if you’ve ever been curious as to the difference or in wondering what difference they will make to your drink, then keep reading!

The Difference Between Tonic Water and Soda

Fundamentally, tonic water has a more bitter flavour than soda or sparkling water. Whilst soda has carbonation and minerals, tonic water usually has quinine added, as well as sugar/sweetener and sometimes other botanicals and flavours.

Tonic has a medicinal history. When colonising, British people looked for measures to protect themselves against malaria in much of India and Africa. Using knowledge discovered by indigenous South American communities, they started to include cinchona tree bark for its alkaloid, ‘quinine’ which helps to prevent malaria spreading.

The difficult-to-consume bitter taste began to be tempered with sugars and flavours, and then carbonated by businessmen like Erasmus Bond and companies like Schweppes. This, paired with gin, became an iconic British serve.

There isn’t as much quinine in modern tonic water as there used to be to make it more palatable and less medicinal, balanced out by ingredients like corn syrup and cane sugar.

Soda has none of this – it’s far more neutral tasting. That’s not to say that tonic water is intensely flavoured, but it certainly brings more to the flavour table than soda does.

What Are The Different Flavours of Tonic Water?

Once upon a time it was only original, or Indian tonic water available to drinkers. Of course, now, like any drinks product, customisations and spin offs are everywhere. The truth is brands like Franklin & Sons have been innovating in this space so the selection of flavours is now incredible. We went through a couple here, such as Sicilian Lemon and Rosemary & Black Olive.

The original Indian tonic (mostly with just quinine) is still the most popular, mostly as the T of G&T, but there are some other increasingly popular flavoured tonics. Lemon, Mediterranean and Elderflower for example.

Even within Indian tonic water, the subtleties from brand-to-brand change. You can find light options (with less sugar), citrus-led options, more/less bitter options – pretty much anything.

What Are The Different Flavours of Soda Water?

Original, plain soda, as discussed, is carbonated water with varying levels of minerals like salt. But there are many flavoured sodas out there too. Franklin & Sons for example, produce Guava & Lime, Pineapple & Almond, Mandarin & Ginger, and Pink Grapefruit. If you can imagine it, it probably exists.

Where you have to be slightly careful is that ‘soda’ is sometimes used to refer to fizzy pop style drinks in general. It should be quite clear from the packaging, but just make sure you don’t pick up a super sweet fizzy drink instead of a soda water style drink… unless you want it of course.

Should You Drink Tonic or Soda Water?

Surprise, surprise, this all comes down to personal preference. Both drinks have similar benefits which is that they let the spirit alongside them shine. If you’re fed up with super sweet fizzy drinks or intense juices dominating your serves, then both soda and tonic can dilute the mix and let the existing ingredients shine.

Take gin for example. If your gin is very complex and flavourful, then a simple soda, or flavoured soda to complement, might be perfect. However, if it’s a sweet gin, maybe some bitter tonic will balance things out. A Mediterranean tonic with herby citrus tang is brilliant with gins of the same nature, whereas an Elderflower tonic can really bring a floral gin to life.

There’s no one rule fits all policy when it comes to soda or tonic – it depends on the flavours you want, the flavours of your tonic/soda, and the drink you’re combining it with.

If you’re looking for more ideas to mix with gin, then find our suggestions here. Alternatively, we have some tonic recommendations here, from our favourite supermarket own-brand tonic to premium fizz. Experiment and mix tonics and sodas in all their flavours with your favourite drinks – they’re subtle, but they make a big difference.

Does The Type Of Alcohol Or The Order You Drink Them In Affect Sickness And Hangovers?

‘Grape or grain, but never the twain’

‘Beer before liquor, never been sicker; liquor before beer, you’re in the clear.’

‘Bier auf Wein, das laß sein - Wein auf Bier, das rat' ich dir.’

‘Bière sur vin est venin, vin sur bière est belle manière.’

There are all kinds of sayings and phrases from across the world about which order you should drink different styles of alcohol in, or whether you should even mix at all. Are there certain combinations that cause sickness, or is it all a myth? Let’s get to the bottom of it.

Why can alcohol make you ill?

The popularity of phrases like these probably stems from just how universally horrible a bad hangover can be. The idea that you can follow a one-line rule or avoid certain drinks in certain orders is comforting, because it means a hangover can be avoided next time. They’re also born out of coincidence. A fellow drinker may advise you to drink in a certain way because when they did that, they were fine the next day – but it’s far more likely that it wasn’t the order of drinks that helped them, but something else like food, water, speed of consumption etc.

The truth is, alcohol irritates the stomach lining, increases acid release, and causes inflammation. Basically, the body doesn’t like alcohol. As a result, too much of it and its reaction is to expel it and make you feel uncomfortable so that you avoid drinking more. It’s looking out for you, even if it doesn’t feel like it when you’re hunched over a toilet.

What causes a hangover?

But, even if you make it through the night unscathed, you have the morning hangover to contend with. Alcohol increases urination and triggers an excess loss of fluids – this dehydration results in fatigue, headaches, and thirst. Building on that, your sleep quality will be much poorer, so you’ll also feel tired from this.

Alongside dehydration, you have ‘acetaldehyde’ which forms when the liver breaks down alcohol. This is toxic which also exacerbates symptoms. The livers breaks alcohol down at a rate of 10ml of pure alcohol each hour – which is roughly a single shot of vodka in the UK. Exceed this, and your body struggles to keep up.

Congeners are also in drinks – these are compounds other than ethanol, like methanol. They break down into other toxic compounds and are shown to increase hangover severity.

Finally, alcohol also affects cytokine concentrations in the immune system, and studies show that these create hangover-like effects also.

The combined effects of the above creates the hungover feeling. Now, whilst some of these effects will be completely unavoidable if you drink large quantities of alcohol, does the type or order of your drinks affect how the severity of your hangover?

Is it bad to mix your drinks?

Researchers from Witten/Herdecke University in Germany and the University of Cambridge did thorough experiments involving the order of drinks and whether it affects hangovers. They had groups drink either just beer, just wine, or beer then wine, or wine then beer. Then they swapped all the groups around and ensured everyone drank the same amount of water for their body weight so that the only variable was the style of alcohol drunk.

The result? It made no difference. None at all. They only found that women tended to have slightly worse hangovers, and that perceived drunkenness (irrespective of drunkenness) made a slight difference. In other words, if you believe that you’re extremely drunk, you’re more likely to feel worse.

There are some arguments that mixing drinks can cause nausea, but this is far more down to personal taste and inhibition. By this, we mean that if you stick to relatively low-alcohol beers that you enjoy the taste of, you are less likely to feel sick than putting yourself through a foul-tasting high-alcohol shot – the sudden discomfort of which may trigger nausea.

Are certain drinks better for avoiding hangovers?

In short, no. It’s all about how much you drink and how fast. However, there are things called ‘congeners’. These are substances produced during fermentation other than ethanol/alcohol e.g. acetone, fusel oil, tannins, ketones, esters etc. and artificial inclusions like flavourings and sweeteners.

Something like Bourbon whisky is believed to contain 37 times the quantity of congeners as vodka, a cleaner more neutral spirit. The evidence is far from conclusive, but clear drinks such as white rum, gin and particularly quality vodka have less of these and create milder hangovers. It’s believed that the more distilled something is, the less congeners are in it (generally). This theory is why some drinkers believe that pure, top-quality liquors don’t give bad hangovers like ‘cheap and nasty’ liquors.

Why? Well, some researchers suggest it makes breaking down alcohol more difficult because the body can’t fully focus on breaking down ethanol, meaning alcohol and byproducts linger. Further to this, they may also stimulate stress hormones and inflammation.

Do different types of alcohol get you different types of drunk?

This also falls within the ‘old-age wisdom’ bracket, but again, the answer is no.

There is no evidence that tequila makes you dance, or whisky makes you aggressive or anything else. Any perceived differences come from the strength of the alcohol, the reputation of the drink, the context in which it’s consumed and your personal history. For example, if you had tequila once and happened to dance a lot that night, the next time you have tequila, you’re already preparing yourself for the same feeling… which can actually trick you into believing the effect is real. It’s all in your head. The brain is a funny old thing.

How to avoid a hangover

·        It’s obvious but worth stating. By far and away the most powerful factor when avoiding hangovers is the amount of alcohol consumed. Drink less, feel better. The same goes for the rate of consumption.

·        Food in the belly slows absorption and minimizes sickness.

·        Alternating alcoholic drinks with a glass of water can help stave off dehydration. Or even better is if you can intake electrolytes which are lost during urination.

·        Once the hangover has hit, it’s only really Father Time that can help. Having said that, medicines like paracetamol and stronger similar tablets can ease headaches and replenishing liquids and electrolytes is important.  A proportion of hangovers are also mental, which is why distracting sensations such as cold-water swimming can help.

If you fancy swerving any risk of a hangover, then how about exploring No-Lo drinks here? They just get better and better.