The final of this year’s Diageo’s World Class Bartender of the Year competition, featuring British bartender Gareth Evans (pictured), is to be broadcast in a four-part series on UK television.
The 30-minute episodes are scheduled to air from November across more than 110 countries on channels including Food Network in the UK where it will be shown at 10pm daily from November 18 to 21.
It features the global final on board a luxury cruise liner as it sailed from Monaco to St Tropez and Ibiza, finishing in La Monumental Bullring in Barcelona.
Among the 43 finalists, the UK was represented by Gareth Evans, group bar manager for Jason Atherton’s Pollen Street Social, Little Social and Berners Tavern in London. Click here for a report on the final, which was held in July.
The bartenders were tested on their understanding of spirits and food pairing and challenged in speed rounds and creating signature serves. The series follows the competitors’ highs and lows and the dramatic eliminations.
Dominic Redfearn, global media and content director at Diageo, said: “World Class showcases why fine drinking and cocktail culture sets trends from New York to Shanghai. We’re excited that the skill and craft of the world’s best bartenders is being showcased through these programmes.”
Produced by Shine North and distributed by Precious Media, it is also being broadcast on RTL 5 in the Netherlands, Acht in Belgium, DMAX in Germany, MTV in Spain, Fox Traveller in India, GNT and Multishow in Brazil, DirecTV across Latin America, Ten Network in Australia and Travel Channel in the US.
Shine North managing director Alex Connock said “Diageo have established an amazing, credible competition in World Class Bartender of the Year that has been a privilege for our team to capture in a TV format.
“The global appreciation of mixology coupled with the truly international line-up of talented, inventive bartenders makes for a compelling show with universal appeal.”
Food Network in the UK is broadcast on Sky 262, Freeview 48 and Freesat 403.
Click here to see the latest news stories from Barmagazine.co.uk
