Ace experts in all things local and good on the refreshment front, Independent Birmingham and Seasonal Markets have declared a city-wide, Gin War over the first weekend of December, pitting 4 of the best gin distilleries in the country against each other in to create a fully festive juniper-inspired hullabaloo to beat all others. The gin-fuelled winter wonderland pop-up will be packed full of spinning cocktail workshops, demos and gin-themed joy, as well as taster cocktails from Birmingham’s most significant purveyors of gin & expert mixologists including 40 St Paul’s, The Church Inn, The Jekyll & Hyde and Bourne & Co. To add to the fiercely competitive atmos, there’ll be a token voting system with further frivolities provided by street food, waffles, live music and gin-fuelled party games. The event is likely to sell out so get tickets quick sharp, gotta be gin it to win it.

Fri 1 Dec – Sun 3 Dec, The Old Crown,188 High Street, Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham B12 0LD £20 www.independent-birmingham.co.uk