
Funkin finds bartender to be its new innovation champion
The latest bartender to win the role of innovation champion with cocktail specialist Funkin has been announced as Aisté Valiukaité. She won not only a £500 prize but also a part-time, paid contract for one year, worth upwards of £6,000, to support Funkin’s ongoing efforts to stay ahead of trends in the cocktail market. Aisté …

Bartender wins Ibiza trip with Pepsi Max cocktails
Amber Blood from London Cocktail Club in east London has won a competition with Britvic that called for bartenders to create a twist on a classic Cuba Libre using Pepsi Max. To create the twist, she used Pepsi Max with Bacardi Carta Negra rum, Cherry Heering liqueur, lime juice, vanilla, and chocolate bitters for a …

Four bartenders reach final of Pepsi Max cocktail competition
Four bartenders are through to the final of a cocktail competition run for Pepsi Max, hoping to win a trip to Ibiza Rocks next year. They will battle it out at an event on Friday (October 6) at The Max Lounge in The Cocktail Village in Old Spitalfields Market, part of London Cocktail Week. The …

Agave fiesta: Tequila & Mezcal Fest returns
A celebration of Mexico is bringing together tequila and mezcal as well as sotol, raicilla and bacanora Tequila & Mezcal Fest is returning this month for a fourth year, celebrating agave spirits and all things Mexican. Taking place at the Old Truman Brewery in London on October 7 and 8, it brings together brands both …

Judges pick the six best cocktails at London Cocktail Week
Six cocktails have been announced as the best being served up as part of London Cocktail Week, with one named the festival’s champion. The winner was the Blended Union cocktail at The Langham hotel’s pub, The Wigmore, which was created by bartender Steve Georgiou. It mixes The Wigmore’s own saison beer with Amaro di Angostura, …

Events for the bar trade at London Cocktail Week
London Cocktail Week, which opens on Monday October 2, is not just a celebration for the general public – all kinds of events are taking place throughout the week aimed at bartenders, offering opportunities for education and networking. Highlights include The Bartender Edit, a non-branded seminar and networking space put together by London Cocktail Week’s …

Monin Cup finds UK winner for Paris global final
Peter Nguyen (pictured) from Mr Fogg’s Residence in London will be heading to Paris to compete against bartenders from around the world after winning the Monin Cup UK final. Alongside seven other young finalists from around the country, he impressed judges with two signature serves using Monin products at the final during London Cocktail Week …

Tia Maria launches on-trade coffee cocktail initiative
A new initiative has been launched for Tia Maria coffee liqueur to help bars to perfect their coffee cocktail serves. The Academy will highlight the business opportunities presented by coffee and cocktails to the on-trade through training sessions in key cities across the UK. It was launched yesterday (October 3) at the Tia Maria + …

Fentimans partners Wright Brothers for London Cocktail Week
Soft drinks maker Fentimans is joining the celebrations for London Cocktail Week for the first time with a pop-up with seafood specialist Wright Brothers. It has transformed the Market Terrace of the Wright Brothers restaurant in Old Spitalfields Market into The Fentimans Apothecary next to London Cocktail Week’s hub and Cocktail Village. Running throughout the …