THIS month marks the launch of the first Brighton Cocktail Week, with bartenders at more than 30 venues offering their creations for just £5.

The event, part of Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival, will run from Thursday until May 28.

Across the week each bar and restaurant is offering five twists on classic cocktails for just £5 each.

Nick Mosley, festival director, said: “Our cocktail scene has blossomed over the past ten to 15 years from the earlier days of Blanch House and Bar Valentino through to the likes of The Plotting Parlour and The Cocktail Shack today.

“We really punch well above our weight with a cocktail scene.”

Matt Ottley, bar manager at The Salt Room in King’s Road, said: “With so many creative entities becoming involved in the business of cocktails in Brighton, it’s inevitable the rest of the drinks industry will be looking to see what the city has to offer.

“Brighton has always been synonymous with pleasure and now passionate bartenders are able to put their stamp on the industry, and our bars on the map.”

The ten-day event, sponsored by Absolut vodka, Blackdown Distillery gin, Cazcabel tequila, Fentimans mixers, Havana Club rum and Jim Beam double oak bourbon, also includes venues more renowned for their food, including Aguadulce, King’s Road, The Chilli Pickle in Jubilee Square, and Terre à Terre in East Street.

Olivia Reid of Terre à Terre, said: “The taste for great drinks has flared high in Brighton and not only in the cocktail bars.

“Despite some of their physical limitations, the service bars in many restaurants are getting a lot more vibrant and daring, creating cocktail menus that perfectly complement the venues food offering.”

Among the venues taking part are The Grand and Har Bar at Harbour Hotel, both King’s Road; Hotel du Vin in Ship Street; Malmaison, at Brighton Marina; The Windmill in Upper North Street, The Queen Victoria in Rottingdean; Bus Stop in North Road and The Plotting Parlour in Steine Street.

Wristbands, which last for the entire festival, cost £10. For more details and to buy yours, visit brightoncocktailweek.com