A few weeks ago BarLifeUK told you about the fantastic array of UK bars and bartenders represented as finalists in the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.
Well we are even happier to tell you that no less than 4 of these nominations resulted in wins at the ceremony held in New Orleans overnight.
Following days of non-stop seminars, talks, demonstrations and partying (sorry, networking) the 2010 Tales of the Cocktail ended with the awarding of the prestigious Spirited Awards. Whilst our congratulations go out to all the winners, I am sure you will forgive us for giving a particular nod to UK friends who took 4 of the top awards.
- The World’s Best Cocktail Bar winner was The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
- The World’s Best Hotel Bar was taken by The Bar at The Connaught Hotel, London
- International Bartender of the Year was taken by Agostino Perrone from The Connaught Hotel (it certainly seems to be the place to go to find good drinks at the moment with Erik Lorincz taking out the World Class Final last week!)
- Last but certainly not least for the UK contingent Mr John Gakuru who claimed International Brand Ambassador of the Year
There were of course lots of other winners on the night – and here they bloomin’ well are:
- World’s Best New Cocktail Bar – Mayahuel, NYC
- Best American Cocktail Bar – Death & Co, NYC
- American Bartender of the Year – Murray Stenson, Zig Zag, Seattle
- Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book – Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh
- Best New Product – Celery Bitters, The Bitter Truth
- World’s Best Cocktail Menu – Death & Co, NYC
- Best Bar Mentor – Dale DeGroff
- Best American Brand Ambassador – Charlotte Voisey, Hendrick’s
- Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award – Brian Rea
We have yet to hear about the undoubted carnage that followed the announcements (although we can confirm that John enjoyed his night), we will let you know as soon as we do.
Once again congratulations all and especially John, Agostino and all the staff at The Merchant & The Connaught – you did us proud.