Entries are now open for the 15th year of Diageo World Class, the drinks giant’s global cocktail competition, and bartenders from across Great Britain are invited to step up and have a shot at mixing a ‘life-changing’ serve.
In a new twist this year, GB entrants who reach the Top 100 will automatically have their bar entered into the World Class Cocktail Festival – a new cocktail festival open to the public – which will be running throughout GB from 9th March – 30thApril.
To be in with a chance of placing in that Top 100, the competition requires bartenders to submit a maximum of two serves during the entry phase. This year, those two serves must use gin brand Tanqueray No. TEN and Single malt Scotch The Singleton.
The No. TEN challenge tasks entrants to craft ‘the ultimate No. TEN welcome drink’ that reflects the signature style of their bar, whilst The Singleton challenge asks for a cocktail representing the bartender’s own drinks style and personality.
Diageo described the competition as a fantastic opportunity for bartenders to learn from some of the best talent in the industry, extend their network within the drinks community and, of course, compete to be the their country’s representative in the World Class Global Finals taking place in Shanghai, China, in September 2024.
Parallel to the individual competition, the World Class Cocktail Festival will challenge bartenders to create three drinks for their own bar’s menu, using No.TEN, The Singleton and Seedlip, with judges visiting the bar during the six weeks to judge the drinks and overall hospitality experience.
The GB grand final will take place in June, with finalists showcasing their skills to the great and good of the GB drinks industry.
World Class GB ambassador Pippa Guy said: “15 years of World Class has delivered some incredible talent and left amazing legacies all over Great Britain and I can’t wait to find some new bartenders this year.
“World Class is an incredible opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills, showcase your expertise on a national stage and become part of a cocktail community that spans the globe – what are you waiting for?!”
Fellow World Class GB ambassador Jo Last added: “We’re really excited about this year’s programme. From the addition of the World Class Cocktail Festival to the Global Finals in Shanghai in September, we’ve an incredibly exciting few months ahead and we can’t wait to get stuck in.
“Please throw your hat in wherever you’re from – we want to hear from anyone who believes they have what it takes to be World Class GB Bartender of the Year 2024. You never know, this could be your year!”
Entrants should follow this link to sign up – and potentially change their life.
Scottish bartenders should note that the World Class Roadshow is coming to Glasgow on Wednesday 17th January, offering all the ‘tips, tricks, and know-how’ to enter World Class GB.
Attendees can listen to World Class GB winner Matt Arnold talk about his journey through the competition, how to understand competition briefs, and how to create that winning drink.
To claim a free spot at that event, being held in Finnieston’s Kelvingrove Cafe, follow this link.
