As part of the city-wide festivities that took place from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th June, the London Festival of Architecture shone a spotlight on Regent Street for the first time; showcasing the rich architectural heritage of our much loved Heddon Street.

Throughout London, events, experiences and exhibitions interpreted 2017's theme of ‘Memory’.

On Heddon Street, many took a step back in time with us to explore the street’s memories. Today it is known as one of London’s best drinking and dining destinations, but through the centuries, Heddon Street has also played host to significant cultural happenings and unforgettable events.

What’s more, as part of the celebrations, selected bars and restaurants of Heddon Street offered a range of limited edition cocktails inspired by the street’s history, so visitors could mix between sipping and strolling for a true afternoon of discovery.

The expert barmen at Piccolino carefully crafted a cocktail inspired by the song - Lady Stardust (£9) – taken from Bowie’s landmark album Ziggy Stardust, of which the cover was shot in 1972 on Heddon Street. A delicate blend of gin, lychee liqueur and lavender syrup, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, the ingredients of Lady Stardust were all inspired by Bowie’s life; including lychee, a symbol of peace in reference to Bowie’s Buddhist philosophy of life, and lavender, in homage to his live album Lavender Blue from 1983.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Heddon Street Kitchen created three bespoke cocktails for the festival; The Cave of the Golden Calf, Spencer Gore, and Madame Strindberg. The barmen went back to basics, with classic cocktails using popular spirits from the era including Applejack (America’s oldest spirit) to Absinthe and Benedictine.

Visitors grabbed a refreshing mint julep-style, Matcha Maker, which blended sumptuous vanilla with fragrant matcha at tibits, and headed to Sakagura which also used Bowie for inspiration with its Suntory Stardust 1973; a rich, heady cocktail made with whisky.

Aubaine also offered complimentary sharing boards to all those who ordered a bottle of wine at the restaurant, whilst exploring Hidden Heddon.

More information on the wider festival can also be found at londonfestivalofarchitecture.org