Bartenders from three Scottish venues have reached the national final of Franklin & Sons ‘Flavour In Motion’ cocktail competition.
From Glasgow, Scott Stevenson, of Ga Ga Kitchen & Bar in the West End, and Stefano Azzaro, of The Old Fish Bar on the south side, will join Victoria Cochrane, of Edinburgh Airport’s Plaza Premium Lounge, at next week’s live final in London.
In total, eleven finalists have been selected from across the UK, to face off on 15th July at London’s Equal Parts, where they will be tasked with reimagining the first cocktail they ever learnt, with ‘a creative twist born of experience’.
Now in its second year, Flavour in Motion aims to celebrate the journey of bartenders across the UK, applying the techniques and skills they have developed over the years to drinks from their past.
Also competing at the final will be, from London, Alessandro Todini, of Three Sheets; Alice Ford, of Nine Lives; and Lili Johnston, of Bar Daskal.
Representing Leeds will be Meg de Bell, of Below Stairs; from Manchester, Drew Millington, of Project Halcyon; from Bath, Aaron Lewis-Grey, of Dos Dedos; and from Cardiff, David Purkiss, of Lab22.
Up for grabs is the winning prize fund of £2500 towards their career development education, with second and third place being awarded £500 and £250 respectively.
Senior brand manager at Franklin & Sons, Pete Thornton, said: “We’ve been blown away by the talent, creativity, and passion shown by bartenders across the UK.
“Flavour in Motion is all about evolution, honouring the very first steps bartenders took behind the bar, and recognising how far they’ve come.
“This year’s finalists reflect the energy, artistry and ambition of the UK’s bar scene, and we can’t wait to see their final serves.”
