Aidan Bowie crowned GB World Class Bartender 2016

By Erin Smith

Published: 10 June, 2016

Following three days of competition, Aidan Bowie of the Dandelyan bar in London was crowned the GB World Class Bartender 2016 and is set to represent the UK in World Class Global competition set to be held in Miami later this year.

"I am so proud to have earned my place at the World Class global final. This year's competition has been beyond tough in terms of the challenges but also the level of skill and talent I have witnessed amongst the other competitors. I am very pleased and honoured to go through to the next stage of Diageo Reserve World Class," said Aidan Bowie.

Dan Dove, the head of Diageo Reserve World Class GB, said: "Aidan Bowie epitomises a Diageo Reserve World Class bartender and we are extremely proud to have him now represent Great Britain at the global final in September."

The competition was held over three days and at three different locations, with the bartenders having to complete a series of tasks culminating in the final judging last night at the Rosewood London.

For the first time thirty consumers which were at the Rosewood London during the final round of the competition and unknown to the competitors also participated in the judging process.

The Dandelyan, where Aidan Bowie has worked since its opening in October 2014 has been award a one-off £10,000 marketing fund to create its own World Class drink to celebrate Aidan Bowie's success.

For Ali Reynolds of the Hawksmoor, and winner of last year's competition, winning the competition is a 'life-changing' experience.

"Over the past year I have had the opportunity to do loads of travelling and I started my own consultancy firm for the drinks industry and the profile that winning gives you is just incredible. It has been a cornerstone of my career and what I have been doing over the past year," said Reynolds.

The 11 finalist that competited for the title were: