West Africa’s largest and most anticipated cocktail event, Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW), is back for its 8th edition. The 9-day event, which is taking place from October 14th to 22nd, 2022, promises an even-more impressive line-up for its traditional seminars, masterclasses, bar battles, an elite guest-speaker list, and some of the world’s most renowned drink brands.
A press conference was held on Wednesday, October 12th, at The Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos. LCW sponsors and stakeholders, were in attendance, including: Yosola Atere (Director, Area Marketing, Mastercard), Bisi Omojare (Director, Creative Sets Department, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism arts and culture), Elizabeth Anthony (Brand Manager, Martell), Chiamaka Efelu (Brand Manager, Star Radler), Tinya Alonge (Brand Ambassador, Diageo Reserve), Ijeuru Metu (Product Manager, Moet Hennessy), Nkem Onwudiwe (Founder, Her Network), and more, attended the event.
During the conference, founder of Lagos Cocktail Week, Lara Rawa, briefed all who were present, about what to expect in this year’s edition.
Rawa, an award-winning mixologist, stated that the theme for this year’s event is “Behind the Bars, Drinks & Brands.” She explained that the inspiration behind the theme is to celebrate the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, to deliver a great hospitality experience through their craft. These individuals include bartenders, mixologists, and brand managers at drinks companies.
She also mentioned that the participating bars in the Bar-Hop aspect of the event, which is sponsored by MasterCard, will serve attendees unique African-infused signature cocktail creations throughout the duration of the 9-day event.
Furthermore, Rawa also highlighted another element which makes this year’s LCW unique: This year’s festival will feature more female bartenders than ever, and will focus on highlighting the work of women in the industry. “I believe that this is a step towards making the cocktail industry more inclusive and welcoming to all people,” she said.
As a means of supporting these female bartenders, Lagos Cocktail Week is partnering with Her Network, a global inspirational and lifestyle platform that equips women with resources they need to thrive in their respective endeavors. As part of the partnership, 4 female bartenders will compete in a “Mixher challenge,” in which they will be tasked with creating memorable cocktails based on women that inspire them. Judges will pick winners, who will win cash prizes to support their bartending career.
(From left to right: Tinya Alonge – Brand Ambassador, Diageo Reserve; Chiamaka Efulu – Brand Manager, Star Radler; Mrs Bisi Omojare – Director, Creative Sets Dept. Lagos State Ministry of tourism arts and culture; Lara Rawa – Founder, Lagos Cocktail Week; Yosola Atere- Director, Area Marketing Mastercard; Elizabeth Anthony – Brand Manager, Martell; Nkem Onwudiwe – Founder, H.E.R network; Ijeuru Metu – Product Manager, Moet Hennessy)
Speaking on why Mastercard is sponsoring the event this year, Yosola Atere stated that, ‘we are passionate about helping SMEs in the culinary space grow. We’re looking to lend a hand to upcoming chefs, upcoming mixologists, and other professionals in the field, and really just encourage them to achieve their goals and their dreams.”
Similarly, Elizabeth Anthony, stated Martell’s reason for supporting the event, stating, “…the bartending community is very important to us across the world which is why it’s natural that we partner with LCW. Our goal is to train 10,000 bartenders by 2030.”
In the same vein, Chiamaka Efelu, stated that Nigerian Breweries is a customer-centric company which inspired the decision to sponsor Lagos Cocktail Week. “We recognize the growing cocktail culture in Nigeria and we want to be a part of it so we can connect with our consumers.”
For more information about Lagos Cocktail 2022, visit: www.lagoscocktail.com
