Cocktail Capital: Andrew Kay says that Brighton is the place to find the very best mixers and shakers

It’s no secret that I love a well made cocktail and wherever I go I seek out the very best mixologists and barkeeps on the local scene. Amazingly, when I chat to them and reveal that I live and drink in Brighton they all express envy and admiration. It’s no secret that our city by the sea is the hub of a massive global love of the cocktail.

Local business The Mixology Group is, in a major way, responsible for some of this and owners Myles and Zoe Cunliffe are known throughout the business as being at the top of the class when it comes to inventive cocktail creation and expert training of bar staff. Their business takes them around the world and they have been responsible not only for training staff but also creating themes and menus in some of the best bars in the world.

But it’s back here that we really see the impact and renaissance of cocktail culture with not only some of the coolest bars and hottest barkeeps but also some of the most exciting new spirit brands. In Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival’s new event Cocktail Week, you can really explore what is on offer by buying a wristband for £10 that will give you access to a huge range of venues and drinks at the bargain price of £5 a time – now that has to be a bargain when a pint of fairly ordinary beer can cost almost that much and in some cases much more.

To find out more go to brightoncocktailweek.com where you can purchase the wristbands and find out which bars, hotels and restaurants are taking part.

18-28 May