Drinks at the Boutique Bar Show

Some people are serious drinkers, others are serious about their drinks. This event at the Town Hall on Thursday 13 May is designed for the latter group. It's an opportunity to sample some of the finest drinks the city has to offer, and to learn about the mysteries of mixology and tasting from the experts – in one of the most beautiful buildings in Manchester.

It's an opportunity to sample some of the finest drinks the city has to offer, and to learn about mixology and tasting from the experts.

The gathering is the evening event of the Boutique Bar Show – a trade exhibition for the bar and hospitality business. In the daytime, it's for industry types. In the evening, it's for drinks connoisseurs, or would-be drinks connoisseurs, or anyone likes to sip slowly and consider what's in their glass (rather than down it as fast as possible and start on the next). You'll also be able to claim a 15% discount on all purchases made on the evening, delivered direct to your door, courtesy of thedrinkshop.com.

There'll be several 'drinking experiences' for people to try at the event. You can learn how to make first-class cocktails in your own home with a cocktail masterclass from the excellent bar manager at Harvey Nichols. You can also take a tutored beer tasting with award-winning beer writer and creator Ben Mcfarland from Dwink.co.uk. And you can even explore the world of tiki cocktail culture with mixologists from Keko Moku and Hula.

Jamie Stephenson (who was described as 'officially the best cocktail maker in the universe' by the Observer Food Monthly) will be attempting to break the world record for speed cocktail-making. Aiming for over 700 cocktails in one hour, this is definitely one to watch. And there'll be weird and wonderful concept cocktails from Socio Rehab at a 'Mad Hatters Tea Party' in the Lord Mayor's Parlour.

All in all, it's going to be a fantastic event – the world's best brands and the city's best bars in the sumptuous surroundings of Manchester Town Hall.

Manchester Confidential is doing an early bird ticket offer of £10 (normal price £12.50). The ticket includes one of Jamie Stephenson's top notch cocktails on arrival, samples throughout the night, masterclasses and tastings, and entry to the after show party at Black Dog Ballroom.

If you want to be there, get your ticket as soon as possible – numbers are limited. Click here to book yours.