The countdown to the Diageo World Class GB 2026 finals is officially on, and this year’s Top 10 finalists are ready to showcase their skill, creativity and passion behind the bar. Among them are familiar faces returning with experience and refined technique alongside six exciting newcomers eager to make their mark. We sit down with Lyaness’ Luke O’Toole ahead of the finals next week to talk about his journey to the competition, the inspiration behind his drinks and what it means to be competing for the Diageo World Class GB 2026 title.

What was your reaction when you found out you’d made the Top 10?

It felt like I was dreaming. And not in a cliche way — the video call kind of caught me off guard as I was half asleep in bed! Then the giddiness set in, frantically calling my partner and family. Keeping it a secret from colleagues and industry pals for those few days was pretty tough though.

Which aspect are you most excited about heading into the finals?

It’s the type of creativity being tested that excites me, particularly in the Cavita Table Challenge. I think that testing how we marry creativity and hospitality is the best way of seeing what we’re really made of as bartenders in the day-to-day, and it’s a muscle you don’t usually get to flex in competitions. 

What do you hope people learn about you or your bartending style through this competition?

I’m lucky enough to work somewhere that shares my values when it comes to using creativity as a means to connect with guests. I always tell people I’m a pub barman deep down, and I’m constantly trying to marry deliciousness and nerdy technique with narrative and story that everyone can latch on to. Drinks aren’t secondary, but how you use them is more important than how you make them.