Diageo World Class GB opens for entries

Diageo Reserve’s World Class bartender competition, now in its 14th year, has opened for entries in the UK. 

The overall UK winner will represent the country in the World Class Global Final taking place in Sao Paulo, Brazil in September 2023.

“World Class GB 2023 is set to be an extremely special programme and we cannot wait to get started,” said Pippa Guy, World Class GB ambassador.

“We have so much talent across the UK, so it feels great to be able to showcase the community’s creativity and skill.”

The competition will see bartenders from across the UK submit a maximum of two serves to be in with a chance of making it into the Top 100.

Bartenders in top 100 will be invited to take part in mentoring opportunities with World Class judges visiting all 100 bars to provide on-on-one feedback.

The top 50 will then present their creations in order to secure a spot in the top 10 with a winner crowned at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh.

For the first time, Diageo World Class will also be offering a host of prizes throughout the competition.

“Diageo World Class really does showcase the bartending community’s passion in creating outstanding drinks as well as supporting each other to develop,” said Jo Last, World Class GB ambassador.

“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.”

The programme will see an esteemed line-up of industry figures on the judging panel including, bar manager at The Connaught bar Maura Milia, World Class Global Winner 2010 Erik Lorincz, Sandrae Lawrence from The Cocktail Lovers, Deano Moncrieffe founder of Equal Measures, and Iain Mcpherson, owner of Edinburgh bars Panda and Sons and Hoot the Redeemer.

To enter, bartenders will need to submit one or both cocktails by 23:49 on 20th January 2023 on https://www.diageobaracademy.com/en_zz/world-class-finals-gb/.