L-R Chiamaka Efulu Brand Manager Star Radler, Berg Baboyan Diageo Ambassador , Lara Rawa, Bayo Adeyemo Brand Manager Absolut Vodka, Ronke Bamgbade Sommelier & Master Bartender Spronks Prive & Chidimma Okoli Events & Sponsorship Officer Sterling Bank PLC
The Lagos Cocktail Week Press Conference took place at The Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos Nigeria on Tuesday 5th October 2021. The event’s speakers consisted of representatives of the Lagos Cocktail Week, and also sponsors for the upcoming main event. They include; Chidimma Okoli – Events & Sponsorship Officer (Sterling Bank), Chiamaka Efulu – Brand Manager (Star Radler), Bayo Adeyemo – Brand Manager (Absolut Vodka), Berg Baboyan (Diageo Ambassador) One of the judges at this year’s edition – Ronke Bamgbade. (Sommelier & Master Bartender Spronks and Prive).
It’s founder Ms. Lara Rawa, an award-winning mixologist, started off the Press Conference by highlighting the carefully chosen theme of the Lagos Cocktail Week; Diversification and Identifying new Opportunities.
Ms. Rawa mentioned that the inspiration behind the theme is born out of the need to educate the attendees who have scaled through a difficult time as a result of the pandemic.
The Lagos Cocktail week team and its’ partners placed an emphasis on the importance of art and innovation. Specifically, in its 7th edition emphasis will be made on the role of networking and the use of social media to drive growth. A sponsor, Diageo, one of the largest producers of spirits, will be providing a masterclass as a symbol of it’s commitment towards the industry and stakeholders. The brand ambassador for Diageo – Berg Baboyan in his speech commented on the importance of the visibility and the opportunity Lagos Cocktail Week has been creating since inception, “ We support Lagos Cocktail Week every year because it’s a great opportunity to truly connect with stakeholders”.
L-R Adewale Akingboju PRO Nigeria Events Beverage Association , Lara Rawa, Niyi Badmus President Nigeria Events Beverage Association, Ms. Ronke Bamgbade and Adeboye Ojo CEO Diamond Luxury Drinks
Lara Rawa and Emmanuel Oyira President Nigerian Bartenders’ Guild
On a lighter note, Ms. Lara Rawa spoke extensively about the entertainment value the event has to offer starting with the popular cocktail village and the bar battle. The Cocktail village will open after the Lagos Cocktail Week Conference. The Cocktail village is scheduled for October 15th 4PM and 16th 12 noon. It will be experiential and the guests will sample specially curated cocktails by the sponsors; Fayrouz, Star Radler, Desperados, Johnnie Walker, Gordon’s Moringa Gin, Mr Dowells, Jameson, Olmeca Tequila, Beefeater and Absolut Vodka.
“The bar battle is the highlight of the Lagos Cocktail Week”, Ms Lara Rawa said.. The 7th edition of the bar battle will differ from the previous years’. In the past, the bar battle consisted of mixologists from Lagos based restaurants and bars. This year, the participants can be independent mixologists. The purpose of the change is to; promote inclusivity, create opportunities, serve as a platform for promotion and growth as highlighted in the event’s theme.
Furthermore, another significant change is that there will be four challenges this year and a winner for each challenge. These challenges are The Johnnie Walker Challenge, Absolut Challenge, Beer Challenge (Star Radler & Desperados) and Fayrouz Challenge. An exciting raffle draw was held at the press conference to determine what challenges each mixologist will participate in.
To conclude the event, the judges and the bar battle sponsors gave specific guidelines and their expectations for the challenges. In particular, Ms Ronke Bamgbade, Sommelier & Master Bartender Spronks Prive mentioned that competitors need to embody the art of mixology, be authentic, creative and prioritize the art of flavour blending. To experience the Lagos cocktail week – tickets are available at https://www.lagoscocktailweek.com/event-details/lagos-cocktail-week-wristbands
Finalists that will be taking part in the Bar Battle
For more information log on to –
Website – www.lagoscocktailweek.com
Instagram – @lagoscocktail
Twitter – @lagoscocktailwk
