World Class Cocktail Festival returns to London in April

From 14^th to the 27^th April, London will host the Diageo World Class GB Cocktail Festival, highlighting the city’s elite bartenders and their creative concoctions at 34 top bars, including notable venues like Three Sheets Soho, The Connaught, and NoMad Hotel. The event celebrates the talents of bartenders who have made it into the World Class GB Top 100.

The competition is dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and celebrating the next generation of bartending talent in Great Britain. Recognised globally, the Diageo World Class Competition has been a significant platform for bartenders worldwide, promoting excellence in cocktail preparation and service.

The programme will feature an array of limited-edition cocktails crafted with premium brands such as Don Julio tequila, The Singleton Whisky, and non-alcoholic spirit Seedlip. Each participating bar will offer a bespoke menu of three concoctions designed to showcase the innovation and artistry of the bartenders.

Among the creations not to miss are Alessandro’s 9 pesos by Alessandro Todinir of Three Sheets Soho, which blends Don Julio Blanco with fermented papaya and white mulberry syrup, garnished with a fresh papaya slice. Another notable mix is Juan’s Popping Bubbles by Juan Jose Orellano Penalver of St James Bar, a scotch whisky cocktail that combines The Singleton of Dufftown 12yo with apricot and black tea cold brew. Klara Kopcikova from Dram in London offers Grounded, a cocktail aimed at raising awareness of soil degradation, mixing The Singleton whisky with strawberry mint spirit and oak leaf soda.

Jo Last, Diageo GB’s Advocacy Manager, praised the initiative, commenting, “The talent on show across the country this year has been fantastic to see. It’s time to get out and show your local bars how much you love them! We have passionate bartenders showcasing their unique talents in some of the best bars in London. Let’s show them all some support.”

The World Class Cocktail Festival has also the scope to champion the bars they represent, encouraging Londoners and visitors alike to explore and support their local venues. 

Food Desk

For further information and for the full list of participating bars across the country, visit the festival website here.