Drinks festivals in London: The best events for the rest of the year

We're all familiar with London's strong food festival line up, but this year there's a variety of drinks events to rival the foodie scene.

Both boozy and boozeless festivals are popping up throughout the rest of the year, so there's something to suit every taste.

These are the best drinks festivals to put in your calendar for the rest of 2018.

Great British Beer Festival

This beer event will be at Olympia from August 7-11, showcasing over 900 real ales, craft beers, ciders and perries. Experts will run tastings throughout the week, so guests can learn more about their humble pints. For those looking to take a break from the boozing, there will be pub games on offer and shops selling all kinds of brewery-related memorabilia.

August 7-11, Hammersmith Rd, W14 8UX, gbbf.org.uk

Gin Bop

This festival is back at Rivington Greenwich for its fifth year to celebrate the juniper-laced spirit. Top-notch gin brands including the likes of Tarquin, Sipsmith and Beefeater will be at the event serving up G&Ts as well as some creative gin cocktails. Alongside the beverages, guests can expect live music and food from the kitchen. The restaurant is a short walk from Greenwich University and the Royal Maritime Museum.

August 31, 178 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8NN, designmynight.com/london/whats-on/pop-up/gin-bop-1

Tequila and Mezcal Fest

Returning for its fifth instalment this festival celebrates Mexican drinks in all their glory. This year, it’s at Bargehouse at the Oxo Tower running from October 5-7. Expect lashings of the agave spirits with over 50 different types on offer and food is covered too in the form of tacos from top London eateries; Café Pacifico, Taqueria and Peyotito.

October 5-7, Oxo Tower Wharf, SE1 9PH, tequilafest.co.uk

Oktoberfest

The annual boozing event returns to London in autumn, running at Millwall Park in Canary Wharf from October 4 - 14 and at Finsbury Park from October 18 - 31 for a special Halloween event. Naturally there will be bratwursts, steins and lashings of German beer, plus waitresses will don the traditional dirndl and lederhosen attire.

Throughout October, Manchester Rd, E14 3AY, london-oktoberfest.co.uk