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Diageo
Reserve World Class GB announce the 10
bartenders who will go through to the
2018 final in Edinburgh.
Following an intense semi-final
earlier this week in London which saw 35 of the
top UK cocktail makers and shakers
battle it out for a place in the Diageo
Reserve World Class GB 2018 final.
The 35 competitors were narrowed down to
just 10 through a series of challenges
testing their skills, adaptability and
spirit knowledge at Diageo’s Customer
Collaboration Centre in Park Royal, competitors were challenged
throughout the day, to be in with a
chance of winning a place in the GB
World Class final in June, to be held in
Edinburgh. Each bartender took part in
three challenges, themed around
sustainability and culinary techniques.
The first challenge, Flavour on the fly,
was a liquid led challenge designed to
test bartenders’ ability to play with
flavour and balance a drink. Competitors
were given a guided workshop by an
industry professional, before being
asked to apply those skills to create a
drink.
Challenge two, 119.5 seconds to go! saw
competitors take part in a speed round,
where they were asked to make two
classic cocktails and pour a Guinness,
in 119.5 seconds; the exact amount of
time that it has been scientifically
proven to pour the perfect pint.
The final challenge, Breakfast Martini
tested contestants’ knowledge of brunch
and creativity in using everyday
ingredients and equipment that you would
find in a typical home. Contestants were
put on the spot and asked to present, as
if it was a real television talk show to
test their presenting skills. Bartenders
created all serves using brands from
Diageo’s World Class portfolio
including; Ketel One Vodka, Ciroc,
Tanqueray No. TEN, Don Julio, Ron Zacapa
23, Bulleit Bourbon, Talisker 10, Roe &
Co and Johnnie Walker Black Label.
This year’s judging panel, included;
Andy Ives (Bar Life), Simon Difford (Difford’s
Guide), Sandrae Lawrence (Cocktail
Lovers) and Craig Harper (Fever Tree);
Diageo Reserve World Class GB Manager,
Stephen Martin; Diageo Reserve GB Brand
Ambassadors Ali Reynolds, Colin Dunn, Jo
Tivey, Kate Jackson, Jenna Ba, and
European Brand Ambassadors Dave Beatty,
and Deano Moncrieffe.
Following an intense day of challenges,
the judges and finalists made their way
to London’s Nine Lives, where Stephen
Martin, Diageo Reserve World Class GB
Manager and Ali Reynolds, Diageo Reserve
Brand Ambassador announced the final ten
finalists of the competition, who’s
unusual flavour pairings, skills,
creativity and open-minded thinking
stood out to the judges, making them
this year’s World Class finalists.
The 10 competitors who are going forward
to the GB World Class final in June, to
be held in Edinburgh are:
- Dave Hall - Terrior Tapas,
Bournemouth
- Kieran Grieves - Bonbar,
Newcastle
- Georgia Billing - Sexy Fish,
London
- James Bowker - The Wilderness,
Birmingham
- Adam Day - Peggy's Bar,
Manchester
- Manachain Monaghan - Below
Stairs, Leeds
- Luke Robinson - Cub, London
- Daniel Warren - Last Chance,
Nottingham
- Daniel Bovey - Hyde & Co.,
Bristol
- Cameron Attfield – Dandelyan,
London
Stephen Martin, Diageo Reserve World
Class GB Manager Commented: "This year’s
competition is themed around
sustainability and culinary techniques
and we’ve seen some really unusual
flavour pairings and innovative thinking
from the bartenders competing. It’s
incredible to witness the UK’s best
bartenders thinking on their feet and
delivering exceptional drinks in a
challenge environment. The level of
talent in the competition was incredibly
high this year, and it wasn’t an easy
task to whittle down our top 35
bartenders to just ten World Class
finalists. We’re incredibly excited to
see them all compete at the GB final in
June, though it’s clear our judges have
a job on their hands in selecting just
one winner."
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