“If the first menu established where we are, the second appreciated the past, Theories + Frontiers is about the undiscovered areas of science. So, we have drinks inspired by black holes, deep space exploration, there’s one based on venomics, which is the very new science of using animal venoms to create super effective drugs.”

These complex concepts are translated to the guest through ingredient choices or the serve itself.

“Our drink based on climate change uses Reyka vodka because it’s from a distillery powered by geothermic renewable energy and it uses an upcycled citrus cordial made with leftover produce from everyday service. The Voyager is based on deep space exploration, it comes on a base that is inspired by the golden record that was sent out with the Voyager spacecraft, it’s a dry ice serve, and it’s scented like raspberry because space is supposed to smell like raspberries. Some are quite easy but then others like time travel or artificial intelligence take some more thought, but I think we managed to find a way pretty well.”

With the deadline for entries approaching, Hayward offers some advice for bars considering entering.

“It’s still super weird hearing that we have the best menu in the world because we just did something that we thought was cool and suddenly it got this massive recognition. Honestly, bars should just go for it. We never in a million years thought we’d win it. We thought we’d created something really cool, and if you feel that way about something you’ve made, then check it out.”

The deadline for entries to the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu 2022 is Monday 22 August, interested bars can apply here.