If your weekend plans didn’t include cocktails, ice cream, a little friendly competition and an after-party at Lagos Cocktail Week, here’s what you missed. From October 22 to 23, the Balmoral Convention Centre at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, hosted the Cocktail Village, where Gordon’s brought a retro-inspired diner setup and a lineup of activities that gave guests plenty to do between drinks.
First, the setup was hard to miss. Neon accents, carefully arranged Gordon’s bottles and retro-inspired details gave the space its own personality. It was the kind of spot that made you want to look around, take pictures and see what else was happening.
The undisputed centrepiece of the activation was a massive, collaborative painting mural. Guests could pick up a paintbrush and add their own strokes to a large collaborative artwork. Instead of simply posing in front of an installation, they got to contribute to one, with each person adding something different to the final piece.
Of course, the cocktails were a big part of the experience. Mixologists served up Gordon’s-based creations at the bar, giving guests different flavours to try as they caught up with friends and moved around the space.
Things got more competitive during the Gordon’s Mixologist Challenge, which brought Nollywood actor Mike Afolarin and lifestyle creator Jima Emmanuel behind the bar. The two went head-to-head to show off their cocktail-making skills, while the audience watched and voted for the winner. Mike came out on top, earning the title of Chief Mixology Officer for the night.
And because a good time doesn’t have to be all about cocktails, for guests looking for a deviation from the standard cocktail menu, Gordon’s introduced a dedicated ice cream bar. The station served up artisanal ice cream creations loaded with custom toppings and rich sauces, effortlessly blending the worlds of premium spirits and gourmet desserts
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As the evening went on, the space took on a party mood. The photo area gave guests another reason to bring out their cameras, while disco lights and music set the tone for the after-party. What started as an afternoon of cocktails, art, and friendly competition, it carried on into the night, giving guests more time to hang out and enjoy the atmosphere.
From the cocktails and collaborative mural to Mike’s mixology win and the after-party, Gordon’s Corner offered plenty beyond the usual stop at the bar. At Lagos Cocktail Week, there was room to try something new, show off a creative side, cheer on a favourite and make a few memories along the way. And really, what’s a good time without a story to tell afterwards?
