Today is the last day I'll be doing anything with London Cocktail week 2011 and to celebrate 3 of us planned to visit 3 different gin events and see just how much we could learn whilst imbibing.

First up was a visit to the Hendricks Unusual Umbrella Emporium in Covent Garden to taste some gin cocktails and attend a talk. This was the same tasting and talk I went to last year but was still as interesting and this year I got to try the drinks as I'm not skating tonight.

Whilst at the emporium we tried a couple of cocktails such as the Spontaniety (with Hendrick's gin, Velvet Falernium, Shiso leaf, Peychaud's bitters, fresh lime juice and topped with toasted sesame oil) and the Phileas Fogg (with Hendrick's gin, saki, nettle cordial, Dandelion & Burdock bitters garnished with cucumber).

Having drunk our fill here, we headed off for a browse of jewellery in the lovely Tatty Devine and Les Nereides. For some reason (perhaps 'trying-to-hide-it-but-obviosuly-disapproving' vibe of the lovely man we had with us?) we managed to leave empty-handed.

Next up it was grabbing some hot food before our next event at Zenna Bar in Soho. From the outside we weren't sure what to expect from this bar, but once in and having met Dan Thomson, who was giving the class, we knew we were in safe hands.

Dan was extremely friendly and incredibly knowledgable. I was expecting a basic class and that's what we got- and so much more. Dan took us right back to basics and talked about the equipment, spirits etc as well as telling us about the most important thing I have so far learned about cocktails- balance.

Dan talked us through starting with the basics and working out where our own taste preferences lie and how to adjust drinks to suit us. He made it so simple that in minutes we were all making our own drinks to our tastes and trying each others to see the difference. Just this valuable bit of information was worth the money and time and I can see me referring to this time and time again in the future as I try to 'de-sweeten' drinks to my preference.

Now that we know how nice the bar is I'm also sure we'll be back soon to try the drinks as well as the tempting looking food.

If you want to learn more about the art of balance then check out these links: 'Balancing cocktails' by Craig Toone and 'It's a balancing act' by Dan Priseman.

Our last class of the day was another one on making gin cocktails at The Old School Yard in South London. After a cab ride we pulled up outside what looked like a regular London pub and were intrigued as to what was inside. Once again we weren't disappointed.

Inside the pub was busy and had an interesting looking cocktail menu but more surprises were to come when we were led downstairs to the basement and the 'secret' cocktail bar full of interesting looking corners, fascinating furniture and spellbinding signs.

The class began and once again we learned about balance in drinks. By now I was done with drinking alcohol and instead spent my time exploring the basement and all it had to offer. My memories of the rest of the night are a bit hazy and seeing as I have vague memories of singing karaoke and being fascinated by trying to turn a wheel handle, perhaps it's best they stay that way...