WINCHESTER will be shaken and stirred as a cocktail week has come to the city.

From Martinis to Cosmopolitans there will be an array of tipples for drinkers to test their tastebuds on.

This week from February 6 to 12, Winchester Cocktail Week more than 500 people to more than 25 venues across the city.

The event was a huge success last year, and this year there will be a key change with the organisers Cabinet Rooms having a central hub at the Art Cafe in Jewry Street.

The hub will be used for people to collect wristbands and souvenir guides to all the various events throughout the week.

Gary Whiter, co-founder of Cabinet Rooms which organises the festival, said:“We had fantastic feedback last year from people who’d ventured into bars and pubs that they’d never visited before. Some even made friends with fellow festival-goers.

"There are masterclasses and workshops throughout the week so if you’re interested in tasting spirits, testing your knowledge or learning how to make your own cocktails at home then you’ve a great week ahead of you.”

There will be a programme events throughout the week, which includes flair bartending workshops and special deals at Hampshire Farmers’ Market.

As part of the week cafes, bars and restaurants have teamed up with premium drink brands to come up with more than 20 different signature cocktails.

To end the week in style there will be a New Romantic Ball, co-hosted by Cabinet Rooms and Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands at Winchester Guildhall on February 11.

Tickets can be purchased for £15 at the Cabinet Rooms Hub on Jewry Street, at Winchester Tourist Information Centre or online at www.winchestercocktailweek.co.uk and exchanged for an official wristband and souvenir guidebook at the hub at the Art Cafe.