We catch up with Dani Hill, Director of Hill Events Limited to find out more

Sheffield’s biggest cocktail party is here! The first of its kind, the Sheffield Cocktail Festival brings 25 of the Steel City’s best bars to one venue, teaming up with your favourite brands to shake, sling, stir and pour unique cocktails all day and night. That’s right—Public, Bench, Pearl, Bullion, North Town, Barrowboy, Kelu, Bamboo Door, Cubana, Manahatta, Capones and many more, all under one roof, all making drinks just for you.

The party starts at The Steamworks on Saturday 17 May 2025, from 2 PM to 8 PM. With DJs spinning discs, ice rattling in tins and masterclasses ranging from Bloody Marys and Negronis to Spritz’s and Boilermakers, get ready for an unforgettable night. So gather your mates and make sure to bring your dancing shoes—this will be one event you won’t want to miss!

If all those tasty cocktails have you feeling hungry, Bench will be serving up their exceptional cuisine and Cowboy Burgers will be slinging their juicy buns all day long. Bullion will also be there for your chocolate, brownies and bakes needs.

And for those who fancy sipping on something different, they’ve got you covered. The festival will also showcase a selection of delicious non-alcoholic cocktails, wines & beers! So there really is something for everyone!

Participating bars include: Public, Bench, Barrowboy, The Pearl, Gills & Co, Kelu, North Town, Cheap Dates, Cubana, Panenka, Selena, Bamboo Door, Bullion, Poco, Watt, Chocolate Bar, The Dark Horse, Firepit Rocks and Mr Wilson’s.

We caught up with Dani Hill, Director of Hill Events Limited to find out more:

What’s the story behind launching Sheffield Cocktail Festival, and what made you decide to bring this event to life?

“After the success of the Seven Hills Whisky Festival, we knew we wanted to create something dedicated to cocktails—after all, they’re my personal favourite (James is more of a whisky guy!). With all three of us working in the drinks industry—owning bars, working for brands, and constantly surrounded by amazing talent—it felt like the perfect next step. Sheffield has such a strong bar scene, full of creative and passionate bartenders, and we wanted to give them a stage to really show off what they can do. Plus, we have so many connections in hospitality that bringing everyone together under one roof just made sense. This festival is all about discovery—discovering new drinks, new brands and maybe even a new favourite bar!”

What’s the vibe you’re hoping to create at Sheffield Cocktail Festival, and how will it feel different from other events in the city?

“We want this festival to feel like a big, exciting night out with your friends—but all in one place! Think lively, social and interactive, with an electric atmosphere filled with amazing drinks, music and great food. What makes this event different is that it’s not just a showcase; it’s an experience. It’s about bringing Sheffield’s best bars together and letting people discover new favourites, try something totally different and interact with the people behind the drinks. It’s also the easiest bar crawl you’ll ever do—all under one roof, with top-notch cocktails at great prices.”

For people coming along, what are some of the most exciting things they can expect to experience at the festival?

“Where do we start?! First off, the drinks—each bar is bringing something special, with bespoke cocktails created just for the festival. Then there are the masterclasses—whether it’s:

The Negroni Masterclass with Pasquale from Northtown, an extension of his legendary Negroni nights.

The Locksley Gin x StarmoreBoss Co-Lab session, where Jeff Boss and the team from Locksley Distilling take you behind the scenes of their Bloody Mary Vodka creation.

Bench’s Ultimate Spritz Masterclass with St-Germain, crafting the perfect summer drink.

Thornbridge’s Beer & Cocktail Masterclass, perfect for anyone who loves experimenting with flavours.

We’re also really excited about the food! Bench will be serving up seasonal British ingredients cooked over coal, Bullion will be there with their incredible cakes and bakes—because cocktails and chocolate are a perfect match, right?—and Cowboy Burgers are bringing their smash burgers for the ultimate festival feast.

And if you grab a VIP ticket, you’re in for a treat—literally. You’ll get queue jump, a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne, cocktail vouchers and a swag bag full of miniatures, merch and exclusive discounts to use at bars around the city after the festival.”

How are you bringing together Sheffield’s best bars and mixologists for this event?

“It all comes down to relationships—we’re lucky to have such a strong network in the industry. With James and Morgan working for global drinks brands and both of them owning multiple venues in the city, plus my experience in event management and brand activations, we’ve been able to bring together an incredible lineup. We’ve handpicked bars that truly represent the best of Sheffield, from iconic venues to hidden gems, and we’ve given them the freedom to create drinks that showcase their style and creativity. The bartenders are curating their cocktails right now, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with!”

“There really is something for everyone at Sheffield Cocktail Festival! If you’re T-Total or just cutting back, we’ve got you covered—several bars are creating great non-alcoholic options, and we even have a T-Total ticket for those who want to enjoy the festival without the booze.

Not into cocktails? No problem! Gills & Co will be serving up incredible wines, and for beer lovers, Guinness and Thornbridge will be on hand with top-quality pours.

So grab your mates and come down—whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a craft beer lover, or just looking for a fun day out, you’ll find plenty to discover!”

Secure your tickets and find out more here:

https://sheffieldcocktailfestival.co.uk

Image courtesy of PEDALO