There comes a time in every bartender’s career when they start to take the profession seriously and ask themselves that all important question: What does it take to become World Class? It’s a big one to ponder on, as it should be – this is a major competition that can really springboard any bartender’s career to the next level. Everything you need to know about the quality of the competition, the drinks and the spirits used in them is in the name.
That’s not just us being generous, consider this: since it launched in 2009, Diageo Reserve World Class has played a pivotal role in transforming fine drinking and cocktail culture around the world. From Italy to the Indian Ocean, Germany to Guatemala, South Africa to South Korea, over 60 countries have benefitted from the World Class effect with over 250,000 bartenders having been put through their paces in a series of intricate training and advocacy programmes. The end result? First-class drinking experiences all round.
Which is where this year’s World Class GB 2018 competition entry comes in. Just sign up for one of the free, three-hour training sessions running this month and not only will you get to add even more flair to your bartending skills but you’ll tap into two of the most important industry trends of the moment:
The resourceful bartender
Here’s where you’ll pick up invaluable insights and tips for being more sustainable in your bar. And the feel good factor doesn’t end there… Not only will you learn how to be more conscious of waste and being resourceful in general, you’ll find out how your bar can be more profitable in the process. Result!
The heat of the moment
Exploring the synergies between bar and kitchen, this session focuses on the ingredients and techniques that chefs use when manipulating flavour and will see you exploring the many uses of solvents, heat and fermentation. Taste sensations guaranteed!
The World Class Studios are designed to inspire bartenders to enter the Diageo Reserve World Class Competition.
The World Class Roadshow schedule
8th November: Cardiff – 9-11 Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BS
9th November: Bristol – 5-7 Welsh Back, BS1 4SP
13th November: Bournemouth – 163-167 Old Christchurch Road, BH1 1JU
14th November: East London – 140-144 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4QT
15th November: Cambridge – 3-6 Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DS
Each session runs from 2-5pm. Interested? Sign up pretty darn quickly – there are only 32 spaces available in every city.To book your place, send an email to:
worldclass@sweetandchilli.com
About the competition
Entries for the 10th Diageo Reserve World Class Competition run from 15th February 2018 to 30th March 2018. After that the Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassadors will carry out in-bar judging of cocktail entries from 2nd to 30th April 2018. The top 30 will go through to the semi-finals which will take place in London on 29th May. The final 10 will undergo a rigorous two-day of challenges before the GB World Class 2018 Bartender of the Year is crowned on 25th July.
What’s in it for the winner? Besides respect, life-changing opportunities and an enviable title you mean? Just a small matter of a prize valued at £15,000 and a ticket to represent Great Britain in the World Class Global Finals in Berlin, that’s all. Like we said at the start, there comes a point in every bartender’s career when they have to ask themselves if they have what it takes to be World Class? Now’s your time to find out.
