The luxury portfolio of drinks group Diageo, Diageo Reserve has announced its renowned bartender competition, World Class, is now open for entries in the UK.
Showcasing the great talent from the bartending community and wider hospitality sector, World Class GB 2023, will include unique challenges, upskilling and networking opportunities, as well as ongoing support and mentoring for those looking to make the next step in their career.
The competition, which is now in its 14th year (2022 winners pictured), will see talented bartenders from across the UK submit an entry of up to two serves to be in with the chance of making it into the Top 100.
Bringing a learning experience to more people that enter, The Top 100 contenders will be invited to take part in mentoring opportunities, with World Class judges visiting all 100 bars, providing one on one feedback, and connecting with bartenders across England, Scotland, and Wales.
New this year, Diageo World Class will be offering a host of prizes throughout the competition, with individual achievements and mentoring opportunities awarded throughout each stage of the programme, providing both seasoned and new bartenders alike a chance to hone and progress their mixology skills, and also get valuable feedback from leading industry figures.
This year’s programme will also focus on the journey competitors experience during the competition as well as the opportunities taking part could present.
The Top 50 will be invited to compete in a fully immersive experience and present their creations in order to secure a spot in the Top 10 finalists, before a GB winner is crowned at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh. The overall winner will represent GB in the World Class Global Final taking place in Sao Paulo, Brazil in September 2023.
Over the course of the programme, an esteemed line-up of industry figures will be a part of the World Class judging panel, including Maura Milia, Bar Manager at The Connaught bar, World Class Global Winner 2010, Erik Lorincz, Sandrae Lawrence from The Cocktail Lovers, Deano Moncrieffe, Founder of Equal Measures, Iain Mcpherson, owner of some of Edinburgh’s favourite bars and the wonderful team from BarLifeUK.
To celebrate entries opening, Diageo World Class GB will be hosting an event at Artesian at The Langham on Sunday 27 November at 8pm. The event will showcase the entry challenge brands, and provide an opportunity to ask the World Class community any questions relating to the competition.
There will be a four-drink special menu created by both the Artesian and, previous World Class competitors, the Passing Fancies team, who have recently opened a bar in Birmingham. Under the theme of duality, all drinks will be available with either Seedlip Grove or Tanqueray No.TEN.
Pippa Guy, World Class GB ambassador, commented, “World Class GB 2023 is set to be an extremely special programme and we cannot wait to get started. We have so much talent across the UK, so it feels great to be able to showcase the community’s creativity and skill.
'We have exciting challenges in the pipeline, some great events such as our launch event at the Artesian later this month, as well as some amazing prizes to be won throughout the programme and I can’t wait to see the serves everyone comes up with.”
Jo Last, World Class GB ambassador, commented: “Diageo World Class really does showcase the bartending community’s passion in creating outstanding drinks as well as supporting each other to develop. I am really excited about this year’s World Class and to work with those starting their careers in bartending, helping them to hone their skills and hopefully win some great prizes too!”
Matt Arnold, Bartender and Owner Passing Fancies, said, 'Not only does World Class allows bartenders to measure their skill amongst the community, but it provides a platform to learn technical abilities required for fine tuning your cocktail recipes as well as make amazing connections. But most importantly, it's the first step on endless opportunities working alongside some of the best liquids and bars in the world.
'The whole team at Passing Fancies have been so excited to be part of the launch of this year's World Class. To be a part of something so large and have the chance to create drinks on one of the most iconic bars in the world, The Artesian, is a one in a lifetime opportunity. It proves the scale of possibilities that being part of World Class GB can give to you.'