Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
The London Spirits Competition is set for March 23-24, 2027, in Spitalfields, London, recognizing the best spirits brands.
Dates
23–24 Mar 2027
City / country
London, CA
Venue
Spitalfields
Time
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Event overview
The London Spirits Competition, now in its 10th edition, will be held on March 23-24, 2027, in Spitalfields, London. This prestigious competition aims to recognize and promote spirits brands that resonate with consumers and trade buyers alike.
Spirits will be judged on quality, value for money, and packaging, ensuring that only the best are awarded. The winners will be announced on April 22, 2027.
London Spirits Competition takes place in London, CA.
TL;DR
Spirits buyers, bartenders and distributors attend to taste through the competition's judging output and benchmark their ranges against medal-winning bottlings. The London setting puts you in the same room as brand owners and importers presenting new releases for the trade, so a single visit covers tasting, price positioning and supplier introductions in one spirits-focused setting.
Exhibiting at the London Spirits Competition provides brands with visibility among key trade buyers and consumers. It offers a platform to showcase quality spirits and gain recognition through awards that enhance marketability. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Distillers showcasing their latest spirits, Importers looking for unique brands to distribute, Retailers seeking high-quality products for their shelves. Position your offer across premium spirits targeting.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
London, CA
Spitalfields in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Spitalfields in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Spitalfields for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Who runs the show
Beverage Trade Network
Organiser
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
On 2027-03-23 to 2027-03-24, London Spirits Competition in London covering Premium spirits targeting discerning consumers, Craft spirits from independent distilleries, Innovative flavored spirits gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Best long-haul choice. The Elizabeth line runs direct from the terminals to Liverpool Street, which is the closest major terminus to the venue; Piccadilly line plus one change is the cheaper but slower Tube alternative
Approx. 32 km west of Spitalfields
to venue
Approx. 45-70 min by car; about 35 min by Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street plus a 10-15 min walk
by car
London Gatwick
Thameslink to London Bridge is usually cheaper than the Gatwick Express, and London Bridge connects onward toward Liverpool Street and Moorgate. Larger network of short-haul and leisure routes than LCY
Approx. 48 km south of Spitalfields
to venue
Approx. 60-85 min by car; about 45-60 min by rail to London Bridge or Victoria plus a short onward leg
by car
London Stansted
Strong for European low-cost carriers. The Stansted Express terminus at Liverpool Street leaves a 10-15 min walk to Spitalfields, so rail is often faster than road into the City
Approx. 56 km north-east of Spitalfields
to venue
Approx. 60-80 min by car; about 47-50 min on the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street
by car
London Luton
Allow extra time: the airport-to-station shuttle is part of the journey. From St Pancras take the Circle or Hammersmith & City line to Liverpool Street, then walk
Approx. 55 km north-west of Spitalfields
to venue
Approx. 75-95 min by car; about 60-75 min via the DART shuttle and Thameslink to St Pancras, then a Tube leg
by car
Closest airport to the venue but limited to shorter-range routes. DLR to Shadwell puts you roughly 12-15 min on foot from Spitalfields; a taxi is the quickest option with sample bottles or luggage
Approx. 10 km east of Spitalfields
to venue
Approx. 25-40 min by DLR plus walk, or 20-30 min by taxi
by car
London Southend
Smaller base used by a limited set of carriers. Check the train timetable before booking an evening arrival, as services are less frequent than from Heathrow or Gatwick
Approx. 64 km east of Spitalfields
to venue
Approx. 75-95 min by car; about 55 min by Greater Anglia to Liverpool Street
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
ibis budget London Whitechapel - Brick Lane
USD 95–122 / night
2-star eco-certified hotel listed by Google Hotels as a great deal, 34% below its usual rate, with a 4.0 guest score from about 4.3K reviews; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, pet-friendly policy, parking, restaurant and accessible rooms. Reviewers note it is very near Whitechapel station, clean and affordable. Approx. 10-15 min walk to the Spitalfields venue; confirm the exact hall entrance on arrival.
Travelodge London City
USD 95–122 / night
3-star option shown as a deal at 24% below its usual rate with a 4.1 guest score; breakfast (paid), Wi-Fi (paid), air conditioning, pet-friendly policy, parking, bar, restaurant and accessible rooms. Google Hotels review snippet describes a good, clean and tidy London location. Approx. 12-18 min walk to the venue, or one short bus hop.
hub by Premier Inn London Spitalfields, Brick Lane
USD 150–190 / night
3-star compact-room brand hotel with excellent reviews and a 4.5 guest score; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, bar, restaurant, accessible rooms, kid-friendly policy and smoke-free property. Review snippet notes a good price for a reasonable London-sized room. Approx. 5-10 min walk to the venue, the shortest commute in this set.
hub by Premier Inn London Shoreditch
USD 150–190 / night
3-star hub by Premier Inn property with a 4.4 guest score, listed in the same Spitalfields-area Google Hotels results for the late-March stay dates. Approx. 18-22 min walk or one Overground/Tube stop to the venue; useful if Spitalfields itself is sold out.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rail (Elizabeth line)
Direct Elizabeth line service reaching Liverpool Street in roughly 35 min, then a 10-15 min walk or one Tube stop to Spitalfields. Tap in and out with a contactless card or phone; paper singles cost more.
express rail
About 15 min to Paddington, the fastest rail leg, but Paddington sits west of the venue so add a Circle or Hammersmith & City line hop to Liverpool Street.
rail
Thameslink into London Bridge is normally the cheaper choice; from there take a Northern line connection toward Moorgate/Liverpool Street or a short bus to Spitalfields.
express rail
Journey time is around 47-50 min and Liverpool Street is the closest terminus to the venue, roughly 10 min on foot. Advance fares are usually cheaper than walk-up tickets.
rail plus shuttle
Allow 75-95 min door to door; from St Pancras take the Circle or Hammersmith & City line to Liverpool Street and walk to Spitalfields.
DLR
Closest airport to the venue. DLR to Shadwell leaves a 12-15 min walk to Spitalfields, or change at Canning Town/Bank for Liverpool Street.
rail
Around 55 min to Liverpool Street, but services are less frequent than on the Stansted or Heathrow corridors - check the last train if you land late.
black cab / taxi
Metered black cabs and pre-booked cars take 45-70 min depending on traffic, longer in the morning peak. The Elizabeth line is materially cheaper for solo travellers.
Weather
Late March in London is early spring rather than mild summer: plan for roughly 5-13 C, gusty showers and cold evenings, and build slack into airport transfers because rain slows road traffic across the City. Wet weather makes the walk from Liverpool Street or Whitechapel to Spitalfields feel longer, and it is harder to flag a taxi in a downpour. The air-quality snapshot generated for this run was tied to a different London location, so ignore that figure and check a live London air-quality forecast before travelling if you are sensitive.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Central London has dense 4G and 5G coverage from all major UK networks, and the Spitalfields area sits inside that footprint, so calls and mobile ticketing work reliably. UK roaming is no longer guaranteed for EU or international SIMs after Brexit - check your plan or buy an eSIM before departure, which is usually cheaper than an airport SIM. Venue Wi-Fi was not confirmed in this run, so ask the organiser if you plan to run live buyer calls from the floor. Power is 230 V at 50 Hz with Type G three-pin sockets, so most visitors need a plug adapter.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Spitalfields and Brick Lane setting
The competition sits in a historic East London district where the old fruit and vegetable market, Brick Lane curry houses and Sunday vintage markets make it easy to pair judging sessions with informal buyer meetings over coffee or a plate of something.
Tasting room etiquette
London trade tastings run on a spittoon-based format with note-taking. Bring a notebook, taste lighter styles first, and expect conversations about production method, ABV and price positioning rather than just flavour adjectives.
Tipping and payments
Prices in London are quoted in pounds sterling (GBP), not US dollars, and card or phone payment is accepted almost everywhere including buses and the Tube. Restaurant bills often include a 12.5% service charge, so check before adding a tip; pub counter service usually needs no tip.
After-hours networking
Pub culture drives informal drinks meetings, and many East London venues close earlier than in other capitals, with last orders often well before midnight. Book a table for groups of six or more rather than turning up unannounced.
Dress and punctuality
Smart casual is the working norm - jacket or overshirt with trousers, comfortable shoes for uneven pavements and cobbles. Arrive early for scheduled tasting slots; London traffic and Tube delays are common and lateness is noticed.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LHR
Aim to land the day before your first tasting or judging slot and to depart the day after, since Heathrow and Gatwick transfers take an hour or more into Spitalfields. Captured Google Flights search interest for these dates came from Dubai, Frankfurt, New York, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney, all of which connect to Heathrow; compare total cost against London City (LCY) for European routings, because the DLR transfer from LCY is short and cheap. No airfares were captured in this run, so treat all pricing as unconfirmed: book roughly four to eight weeks ahead, check whether a Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line ticket should be bought in advance, and avoid the first Monday morning arrivals if you need to be at the venue the same day.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: London Heathrow (LHR): Approx. 45-70 min by car; about 35 min by Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street plus a 10-15 min walk; London Gatwick (LGW): Approx. 60-85 min by car; about 45-60 min by rail to London Bridge or Victoria plus a short onward leg; London Stansted (STN): Approx. 60-80 min by car; about 47-50 min on the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street; London Luton (LTN): Approx. 75-95 min by car; about 60-75 min via the DART shuttle and Thameslink to St Pancras, then a Tub
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Spitalfields: Whitechapel / Brick Lane, Spitalfields: ibis budget London Whitechapel - Brick Lane; City of London fringe, near Spitalfields: Travelodge London City; Spitalfields / Brick Lane: hub by Premier Inn London Spitalfields, Brick Lane.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt, FREENOW and Gett all operate across London, and black cabs can be hailed in the street or booked through an app. From Heathrow into Spitalfields expect a quote of roughly GBP 60-95 (approx. USD 75-120) before surge, usually below a metered black cab but subject to dynamic pricing; pick-ups are in the designated car parks, and airport drop-off charges may be added. From London City Airport the ride is only 20-30 min. For short hops around Spitalfields at peak times, walking or the bus is often faster than sitting in City traffic.
Public transit: Transport for London runs the Tube, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth line and the red bus network, all on one contactless payment system with daily and weekly caps. Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan) and Whitechapel (Elizabeth line, District, Hammersmith & City, Overground) are the practical stations for Spitalfields, both roughly 10-15 min on foot from the district. Single Zone 1 fares are about GBP 2.80-3.60 (approx. USD 3.50-4.50) with a daily Zone 1-2 cap of roughly GBP 9-11 (approx. USD 12-14); buses are a flat GBP 1.75. Use the TfL journey planner to check engineering closures, which cluster on weekends, and allow extra time if you are travelling to Heathrow for a return flight.
Parking: Parking around Spitalfields is limited: on-street bays in Tower Hamlets and the City are metered and often restricted to residents or business permit holders during weekdays. Commercial car parks in the City and around Aldgate are the practical option, typically GBP 20-40 per day (approx. USD 25-50) - confirm rates and height restrictions with the operator before driving in. The Ultra Low Emission Zone applies across Greater London and the Congestion Charge zone starts a short walk west of the venue, so check both before bringing a car; for most visitors the Elizabeth line and Tube are cheaper than a day of parking.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027 (late March event window, London, England)
Temperature: Approx. 5-13 C by day and 3-7 C overnight - climatological averages for late March in London, not a live forecast. Confirm the actual forecast within five days of travel.
Seasonality: Early spring in London means short, frequent showers rather than sustained rain, with roughly 10 rain days a month and bright spells between them. Daylight runs to about 18:20 on the event date because the clocks do not move forward until 28 March 2027, so evening walks back to the hotel happen partly in dusk.
Packing: Pack a warm mid-layer, a waterproof shell with a hood and shoes that handle wet pavements - late March in London is cooler than the same week in southern Europe. Tasting days call for smart casual that still works on a busy floor: jacket or overshirt, dark trousers, minimal fragrance so you can actually smell the spirits. Add a notebook and pen, business cards, a folding umbrella, and a Type G plug adapter for 230 V sockets.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at London Spirits Competition usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-12 days: book flights into Heathrow (LHR) or London City (LCY), then price the transfer leg before choosing. — LCY is closest to Spitalfields but has fewer long-haul connections than LHR.
T-10 days: check UK entry rules for your passport and apply for a UK ETA or Standard Visitor visa if required. — Carry printed registration and hotel confirmation for the border.
T-7 days: shortlist the categories and producers you want to taste, using published medal results and the exhibitor list. — A written 10-brand hit list keeps a busy tasting floor productive.
T-5 days: prepare tasting kit - notebook, pen, water, spittoon etiquette awareness - and check rules for shipping or carrying sample bottles home. — Airlines restrict liquids over 100 ml in cabin baggage; samples usually need checked luggage.
T-3 days: set up contactless payment for Transport for London and check weekend engineering works on your Tube, DLR or rail route.; T-2 days: pack layers, a waterproof shell and a Type G plug adapter, and confirm the airport transfer booking. — London in late March is cool and showery rather than warm.
T-1 day: online check-in, reconfirm the hotel, and review the venue map plus session timings for the tasting day.; Event day: arrive 30-45 minutes early for badge collection, keep receipts for any samples, and book buyer meetings around the judging timetable. — Smart casual is the norm; a jacket or overshirt works for both the floor and evening meetings.
T-14 days: confirm your registration or judging invitation with the organiser and pin the Spitalfields venue address plus the published schedule page. — Check whether your pass covers tasting sessions only or also the results announcement.
T-14 days: book the hotel. Spitalfields and Whitechapel properties such as hub by Premier Inn Brick Lane or ibis budget Whitechapel fill early for late-March dates. — Free-cancellation rates are worth the small premium while your flight is unconfirmed.
Registration and hall orientation at Spitalfields
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
London Spirits Competition registration concourse
Spitalfields
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Spitalfields
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether London Spirits Competition fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For London Spirits Competition, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Premium spirits targeting discerning consumers and Craft spirits from independen solutions and benchmarking suppliers at London Spirits Competition in London.
Min. budget
$530.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Premium spirits targeting discerning consumers and Craft spirits from independen products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,385.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the London show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
Trust footer
1
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
London Spirits Competition
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.