The BarLifeUK & Mixxit Rookie Programme are delighted to announce the 13 Rookies who will be attending the 2016 year long training programme.
This year we received 100’s of entries, in fact a 50% increase on the 2015 applications, to join the 2016 Rookie Programme. The programme is designed to give 13 bartenders (actually it was supposed to be 12 but the response was so overwhelming we had to up it to 13) from across England & Wales who have less than 2 years cocktail bar experience a year long educational experience like no other.
Since we first sat down with Amanda Humphrey from Mixxit in 2014, and saw how her passion for the project was as big as ours, we have been extremely proud of what we have achieved. The support from the industry has been immense, with some of the biggest names in the business giving up their time to give back to the industry, and help inspire the future of the UK’s bartending community.
Last years Rookies have exceeded all our expectations, gaining promotions, winning national competitions, educating their colleagues in bar and generally providing us the inspiration to continue and grow the Rookie Programme this year.
Once again Amanda and Mixxit have been instrumental in making this happen and in helping shape the programme, this year the Rookies have a real treat in store.
With so many entries picking the top 13 was an arduous and stressful undertaking. Knowing what it meant to last years lucky 12 made the pressure of the getting the right group sit even heavier on our shoulders. After lots of conversations, a few arguments and several Penicillin’s and beers we have our Class of 2016:
- Ashleigh Cilliers, Cosy Club, Bath
- Chris Dickson, Blind Tiger, Liverpool
- David McLean, Alvinos, Newcastle
- Duarte Ribeiro, Peppermint, Cardiff
- Gianluca Sorrentino, Lobby Bar @ One Aldwych, London
- Giovanni Graziadei, Blind Pig, London
- Guy Mazuch, Club Zeta, London
- Jack Sargood, Adventure Bar, London
- Kit Baker, Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Bristol
- Lewis Jenkins, Little Bat, London
- Phoebe Ruddock, Aloha, Liverpool
- Radoslaw ‘Rod’ Rozycki , Beagle, London
- Roman Kubik, Aqua Spirit, London
Remember those name as these are the future stars of the bar industry in this country. Before that we are going to give them an educational programme the likes of which the bar industry has never seen, the lucky gits.
We will of course be bringing you all the news as we go through the year and even some sneaky insights from our speakers so you don’t feel completely left out.
Congratulations to the 12 Rookies and thank you to everyone who nominated themselves or someone else, you made our lives very difficult. Sorry we couldn’t accommodate all of you, as soon as I win the lottery that will change.