Boobs and booze – what a winning combination. Just ask Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix. Speed Rack, their annual competition for savvy female bartenders has captured the hearts, minds and pockets of the US drinks industry (to date, they’ve raised more than $150,000 for breast cancer charities) and now the blink-and-you’ll-miss-the-super-fast-skills-of-the-contestants is crossing the pond to Blighty.
Come join the party as 16 female bartenders go head-to-head, getting their shake on in this speed-based competition, devised to highlight the brightest, baddest, boobiest talent in the UK. It’s a ticketed event BUT all proceeds go to The Haven, a breast cancer charity close to Ms S’s heart as they were like a gigantic hug when she was diagnosed with breast cancer almost five years ago.
Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix, all photos by Marnie JoyceShe’ll be amongst the esteemed panel of judges including JJ Goodman from the London Cocktail Club, Andrea Montague from east London’s finest, Callooh Callay and Beard To Tail, and Rebecca Seal off the telly. The ever-smiley Jacob Briars will emcee the proceedings and Paul Mant will be spinning the choons on the decks. If that little lot doesn’t get you reaching for your credit card to book your ticket, then perhaps the offer of complimentary cocktails and tastings from the premium spirits partners will.
Entertainment, drinks, music, great company AND the warm glow you get from giving to charity, now that’s what we call a great night out. Chaps most definitely welcome.
The first Speed Rack UK takes place 5pm-9pm, on Monday 24th June at Village Underground, 54 Holywell Lane, Ec2A 3PQ.
Tickets in advance £15, £20 at the door. Get yours here
CONTESTANTS:
Emma Andrew, 99 Hanover Street, Edinburgh
Chelsie Bailey, The Rummer Hotel, Bristol
Veronika Bartakovacova, Apotheca, Manchester
Satouka Basso, The Dead Dolls Club, London
Georgia Billing, Newnham College: The Old Boilerhouse Bar, Cambridge
Sian Ferguson, 99 Bar and Kitchen, Aberdeen
Naomi Fletcher, Hawksmoor, London
Madeline Hessey-Antell, The Living Room, Bristol
Elsa Jula Holmberg, Brass Monkey, Nottingham
Sophie Mackay, Cottons Rhum Shack, London
Rosey Mitchell, The Beckenham, London
Charlotte Mills, Bar Blanc, London
Kendyl Parr, Hix, London
Rosie Paterson, The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
Katie Rouse, The Victoria, Birmingham
Susie Wong, Epernay, Manchester
And let’s hear it for the generous sponsors – you guys rock!
SPONSORS:
Platinum
Vodka: 42Below Vodka
American Whiskey: Four Roses Bourbon
Whisky: Auchentoshan
Rum: Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum, J. Wray & Nephew
Tequila: Excellia Tequila
Gin: Bloom Gin
Cognac: Merlet
Gold
Silver
Cointreau
Heering: Cherry and Coffee
Rhuby Liqueur
Blossoms Syrup Ltd
Follow the action on Facebook. Check out the antics at this year’s regional heats on the video.
