St Andrews Cocktail Week
All those accustomed to the frenzy of a St Andrews social life will notice that barring variations in societies or friend groups, certain aspects of our experience are truly universal. Whilst it may be sensible and studious for some – it remains unapologetically boozy for many. Aside from the prestige of the university and the enormity of the golf scene, the town boasts of one other feat: an alarming, yet beloved, pub-to-square metre ratio. With this comes a vigorously active community — whether you’re attending your society’s termly closing brunch or rushing to catch a post-lib beveragino before close. Day and night, St Andrews remains constantly enlivened by its local businesses. Naturally, this can oftentimes be incompatible with thy humble student budget. Luckily, St Andrews Cocktail Week is here to save the day!
After the soaring success of last year’s debut, the long-awaited event is back and better than ever. With more venues, more discounts and more cocktails — it’s the ideal guilt-free, finance-friendly way to make your March memorable! The fun is not limited to one week — it runs for a thrilling ten days, from Friday 15 to Sunday 24 March 2024. Ultimately, it is designed to deliver exclusive experiences at affordable rates whilst simultaneously uplifting local hospitality and trade. For both locals and students, it grants greater accessibility to our town’s treasures. Engagement with local trade is crucial to the vibrancy of the St Andrean scene, particularly at such a vulnerable time for Scottish businesses. Participating in this opportunity synergically boosts all aspects of town life. No concessions are needed; healthier businesses, happier people.
Milly, a fourth year, said: “I went last year and it was genuinely one of the highlights of my semester. It meant I got to go to loads of bars I wouldn’t normally visit, and my friends and I all had the best time”.
Whether you consider yourself a cocktail connoisseur or tend to rarely stray from the safe double VBL — the options are tailored to every mood and palette. The cocktail deals host a promising line-up of participating venues, each showcasing their best signature drink. For only £5, pick amongst the Forgan’s favourite Big Smoke Sour, Hotel du Vin’s nostalgic Parma Spritz, or the Vic’s sophisticated Jessica Rabbit. The choice is yours — though probably best not to consume all at once. Tempted to splurge for the occasion? For £10, deguste the hints of lime and watermelon in Rogue’s Darnley’s Watermelon Mojito, or try The Physician’s fresh berry concoction for £9.95. Fancy a timeless classic? St Andrews Cocktail Week regales you with the Espresso Martini at Dook’s Cafe or Kohler Waters Spa’s Aperol Spritz. And for the pièce de résistance, Dune’s Pear and Cherry Rum Sour stylishly blends Sea Wolf Scottish Rum, with lively tinges of pear, lemon and cherry. In addition, many bars present new, limited-edition cocktail menus for the week. With over 100 cocktails on offer, the possibilities are as versatile as they are endless.
However, the experience is not limited to boozy indulgences. A sensational range of 45 businesses including St Andrews’ most popular bars, restaurants and hotels, deliver their premium services at mega-budget prices. For those more inclined to savour a tasty meal, a range of renowned establishments offer premium opportunities. Discover menu discounts from St Andrews staples like Lupo’s, Mitchell’s and Ziggy’s or the esteemed Jannettas Gelateria. Varying options adapt to all price points. From trying Tailend’s £10 Seafood Medley Tacos to enhancing your Saturday night with The Hide’s cocktail masterclass and dinner experience for £55. Moreover, a rich scope of different services is offered. The Wax Bar provides 30% off all treatments, Solo Hair St Andrews 25% off blowdry and typing appointments, and Visit Scotland 10% off retail. You may well find yourself slightly tipsy, fully pampered, and with the majority of your relatives’ next Christmas presents.
At only a few clicks away, obtaining your St Andrews Cocktail Week wristband is quick, easy and hassle-free. To avoid the crash of last-minute ticket scramblers, you can pre-order yours via their website: standrewscocktailweek.co.uk Wristbands can then be picked up, both before and during the event, from the Visit Scotland iCentre pick-up point (70 Market St, St Andrews, KY16 9NU) anytime from Monday to Saturday: 10am – 4pm. For all those west of Market Street, Dune Bar acts as a second pick-up location (80 North St, St Andrews KY16 9AH). Rush to get yours now and marvel at all the deals!
Photo: St Andrews Cocktail Week