Following its debut in 2025, BCB London returns on May 11 and 12 with the goal of bringing people together while spotlighting the products and stories shaping the beverage scene across Great Britain and Ireland. The event offers local brands and producers a dedicated platform, creating a direct connection with bartenders, buyers and decision-makers focused on regional quality and local impact.
What’s New at Bar Convent London
Bar Convent London is once again set to fill with voices, spirits and the sound of ice moving through mixing glasses. On May 11 and 12, Tobacco Dock reopens its doors for a second edition that introduces a fresh wave of developments to the industry. The 2025 debut was met with strong attendance and enthusiasm, confirming a real demand for direct exchange among professionals. The 2026 edition builds on that momentum, placing even greater emphasis on education and the local scene.
Local Heroes Takes Center Stage
One of the most visible additions is LocalHeroes, the initiative dedicated to those working daily across the drinks supply chain. The focus is on small-scale producers, independent brands and bartenders shaping recognizable local identities: the dedicated exhibition space encourages direct, unfiltered interaction between producers and the people deciding what makes it onto cocktail lists. The results unfold through tastings, conversations and business negotiations.
Education as an Operational Tool at BCB London
The most significant evolution at BCB London lies in its education program. This year’s schedule expands across keynotes, panel discussions and hands-on sessions, maintaining a strong focus on practical content and real-world case studies for professionals working behind the bar or managing teams.
Leading the program is Elliot Ball, co-founder of venues and projects including The Cocktail Trading Co, HM’s, Filthy XIII, Murder Inc and Royal Cocktail Exchange—a well-known figure within London’s bar community. His background spans venue openings, consultancy and training, bringing a broader and more structured approach to the event. The new program explores workplace management, economic sustainability and service quality, with the aim of providing concrete tools to an industry evolving at increasing speed and with increasingly specialized demands.
London Defines Its Role
There is little doubt that the launch of BCB London in 2025 clarified what both the British and international markets expect from a trade fair today. And while comparisons with Berlin remain inevitable, the new edition of BCB London positions itself as a response to the tangible interest of the global bar and beverage community.
On May 11 and 12, the industry returns to the starting line. At Tobacco Dock, two intense days await—driven by people, connections and the exchange of ideas.
