Marco Pierre White crowns the 'UK's Best Bartender'

3rd July 2009, 10:12am

Marco Pierre White crowned Ryan Chetiyawardana of Bramble in Edinburgh the UK’s best bartender in the final of World Class 2009.

Held at the exclusive Kent House in London's Knightsbridge, Ryan impressed the judges by showcasing his "exceptional mixology skills" as he triumphed over competition from fourteen of the country's top bartenders.

In a day-long trial, Ryan and his fellow finalists were tested on their bartending knowledge, mixology and had to complete an innovation challenge where they had to prove their creativity against the clock. 

After 15 bartenders were whittled down to the final two, Ryan went head-to-head with Andreas Tsanos from Zuma in London to battle it out for the grand prize where the two bartenders had to create their final bespoke cocktail and present it to the panel of judges. 

Marco said: "I've been totally blown away by the skill of the bartenders in this final. To make a great drink takes a lot of hard work, a lot of understanding; it's not just about putting alcohol into a shaker. What I wanted to see was someone who could engage me, give me something I'd never had before and that was exactly what Ryan did. He was phenomenal – not only with his drinks but also with his knowledge and personality behind the bar and fully deserved the title."

Speaking about his win Ryan said: "It's unbelievable. This was far and away the most challenging and nerve-wracking competition that I've ever been in and I'm absolutely thrilled to have won. I was up against the best bartenders in the country – lots of whom I know and admire personally – and performing in front of judges of this calibre has been the highlight of my career so far."

Related Articles:

• 11 Aug 2009 - Search begins for champion cocktail maker

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