Bars across Edinburgh are to be taken over by 100 drinks ambassadors and bartenders from drinks group Diageo for a “World Class Takeover”.
For one night only on Thursday March 3, cutting-edge cocktails and new tastes and experiences will be brought to 20 bars: Treacle, The Bon Vivant, The Devil’s Advocate, Bramble, The Lucky Liquor Co, Panda & Sons, Hoot the Redeemer, Rick’s, Tigerlily, Candy Bar, Tonic, Voodoo Rooms, Villager, Whistle Stop Barber Shop, Whiski Rooms, Usquabae, Copper Blossom, Boozy Cow, 99 Hanover Street and Lulu.
It is part of Diageo Reserve’s World Class platform which champions the group’s premium brands (pictured), such as Tanqueray No Ten, Johnnie Walker and Ketel One, as well as bartending talent around the world.
The annual World Class Takeover is taking place ahead of the World Class GB competition opening up for its second round of entries later this month.
Martin Luney, managing director of Big Red Teapot which operates Treacle, said: “Last year’s takeovers took place in Istanbul and Cape Town so for the event to come to Edinburgh is a big coup for the city.
“We’re in good company with so many great independent bars around Edinburgh who are often praised locally for their creativity – but this event gives us a chance to showcase our work on a global stage.”
After the success of the World Class semi-finals phase one in December, Diageo Reserve is preparing to select bartenders to take part in the second phase of semi finals on May 3. Five bartenders will be chosen out of 50 to join the other five from phase one for the GB final.
For phase two, the challenges will be based around the theme “Fruit and Plants”, and will focus on using the white spirits from the Diageo Reserve portfolio, including Ketel One Vodka, Cîroc, Tanqueray No. TEN and Don Julio. There is also the option to add Grand Marnier.
Phase two will be open for entries from March 18 to 30. Bartenders will be able to enter at https://www.theworldclassclub.com/competition/enter-world-class/eu-competition/.
