The Last Dance With Declan & Co.

Declan McGurk (formerly of the American Bar at The Savoy) and a team of renowned faces from London’s hospitality scene will be creating an exclusive, unmissable experience, for one night only, to celebrate this year's London Cocktail Week. With a desire to raise awareness of how hard London's hospitality sector has been impacted by the unprecedented times, THE LAST DANCE, curated by Global Bartending Talent Agency, will celebrate the capital’s cocktail culture and the resilience of the industry, and will be enjoyed by both industry and visitors, raising a toast to one of the best loved bar teams in London’s culturally rich cocktail scene.

The event is sponsored by premium and luxury spirits leader William Grant & Sons UK showcasing its brands through the truly unique and exclusive Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky expression, 23 YO Grand Cru, as well as the rule-breaking Hendrick’s Absinthe, looking to re-imagine the category. Sponsorship of the event also comes from The London Essence Company, which crafts luxurious drinks from the purest flavours, selecting the finest botanicals and gently distilling them to capture their true essence.
The ‘one night only’ experience will see the world’s best bar team in action, including former American Bar Head Bartenders Erik Lorincz and Maxim Schulte, with Declan McGurk hand picking the rest of the team for one last ever shift, allowing visitors and trade colleagues alike to enjoy one last cocktail from the masters, overlooking London’s iconic skyline at 12th Knot at Sea Containers London, which is reopening exclusively for one night only to host the event.

Guests will be welcomed by familiar cues that will be easily recognised by those who have visited one of the capital’s five-star establishments in recent years, including quintessential service, bartenders and waiters bedecked in bespoke jackets, and a pianist playing throughout the night.
All event partners have agreed to support a reduced ticket price, which will be put inplace for those in the On Trade, with a portion of these proceeds being donated to hospitality industry charity The Drinks Trust, which provide vital financial support and wellbeing care for those in need. This support comes as part of the William Grant & Sons #STANDFAST Campaign, created as a response to support the industry throughout the pandemic.


Declan McGurk comments: “I am thrilled to be surrounded by so many friends and get back to doing what we do best. The pandemic has had an incomprehensible effect on London's bar community, and it shall be with great honour to pick up the tools again and help raise money for those worst affected. Well done to London Cocktail Week, and thank you to our partners – this is our time to show how resilient our industry is.'

Dan Dove, Global Bartending Talent Agency, adds: “It is a time of real uncertainty in the global hospitality industry. Many of my close friends have sadly lost their positions or their businesses due to the current climate. I have worked very closely with Declan and the amazing American Bar team for many years and it is an honour to give back to them for the service that they have given to us for so many years. This is why Global Bartending have produced this monumental event to allow both their team and the world to have the opportunity to have that One Last Dance…”