Latest news with #BartenderoftheYear
Perth Now
a day ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Perth Bartender Shirley Yeung named in Australia's best list
Perth's cocktail scene is about to take centre stage, with Perth's Foxtrot Unicorn's bar manager Shirley Yeung named to compete in the prestigious Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year competition. Diageo World Class is in its 16th year and regarded as the biggest and most influential bartending competition in the world. This year's Australian finals will bring together eight elite bartenders from across Australia for a one-day cocktail showdown. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Diageo's head of trade advocacy Kate McGraw said Diageo World Class was the ultimate showcase of bartending excellence. 'The Australian competition never fails to inspire.' she said. 'This year's top eight finalists represent the epitome of talent and innovation in the industry. Their mastery, creativity and dedication to the craft of hospitality promise a final round that will be nothing short of extraordinary'. This is the second year in the competition for Ms Yeung, who is also the co-founder of MixHaus, a not-for-profit group creating opportunities for female and non-binary bartenders nationwide. Shirley Yeung is a contender for Bartender of the Year. Credit: Supplied Ms Yeung is the only West Australian to make the finals this year, with her other competitors being from Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. 'To represent Perth and stand alongside some of the most creative bartenders in the country? That's a massive honour. I'm soaking up every minute,' she said. 'I'm equal parts buzzing and terrified — in the best way. World Class is the stage for bartenders who want to push boundaries. It's not just about mixing a great drink — it's about storytelling, technique, sustainability and connection.' Shirley Yeung is also the co-founder of co-founder of Mix Haus, which is dedicated to creating opportunities for female and non-binary bartenders. Credit: Bartender 'We're done with playing it safe. Guests are asking smarter questions and bartenders are getting bold with local ingredients, ferments, and native botanicals,' she said. 'High-concept drinks in laid-back venues? That's the vibe. What's not hot? Overcomplicating things. No one wants a 12-step cocktail that takes 15 minutes. We're all about flavour, finesse and fun — and that's why I think Perth's energy belongs on the World Class stage.' The Australian finals will test the bartenders in live challenges involving celebrating coffee culture, creating three custom drinks including one from Tequila Don Julio Minis, and a speed round requiring competitors to craft up to nine classic cocktails using Diageo's premium reserve spirits portfolio. These competitions will determine who will represent Australia on the global stage in Toronto, Canada, later this year. The final will be held on June 30 at the Sofitel in Sydney.
Time Out
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Tryson Quek from Side Door crowned World Class Singapore 2025 champion
After months of fierce competition, Singapore has crowned its new World Class Bartender of the Year. At last night's finale held at Baia, Tryson Quek, the affable chef-turned-bartender and owner of Side Door, emerged as the winner of one of the country's most prestigious cocktail competitions. He beat out a strong field of finalists: Marco Maiorano (КОМА), Zana Möhlmann (Manhattan), Kelvin Saquilayan (Republic Bar), Ooi Foo Giap (Last Word), and Sam Pang (Night Hawk), who each brought their own distinct style and skill to the competition. This year's final unfolded in two parts, designed to push the boundaries of innovation, speed and bartending finesse. First up was the Drink to the Future challenge, which asked contestants to imagine what the world of cocktails might look like in the decades to come. Their creations had to incorporate either Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Don Julio 1942, or Zacapa XO, and make use of technology. What we saw was a forward-looking display of imagination: plants turned into music to suggest a future where we might converse with our food, magnetic stirrers and ultrasonic infusers aimed at improving bar efficiency, and thoughtful ingredients like hydroponically grown tomatoes and carbon-capturing seaweed that point towards a more sustainable approach to drinking. Next came The Showdown, a speed challenge that tested both composure and technical skill. Finalists had five minutes to shake, stir and present five elevated classic cocktails: a highball with Johnnie Walker Blue Label, a Paloma with Don Julio 1942, an Old Fashioned with Zacapa XO, a Manhattan using Singleton 15 Year Old, and a Martini with Tanqueray No. Ten. They were free to interpret the drinks, as long as the core of each cocktail remained intact. It was a tight, high-energy round where each finalist had to work with precision and pace while demonstrating showmanship and brand knowledge. The judging panel comprised Ervin Trykowski, Diageo's global brand ambassador for New Age Whisky; Pedison Kao, Taiwan's World Class Bartender of the Year and global third-place winner; Adam Bursik, director of beverage at Shangri-La Singapore; and Nicole-Marie Ng, Time Out's regional content director for APAC. Together, we assessed a strong showing of ingenuity, technical precision and excellent drinks. In the end, it was Tryson's blend of bold flavours, charming confidence and relentless creativity that earned him the top spot. While he hasn't been behind the bar for long, he used his background as a chef to his advantage. His win also marks a full-circle moment for Singapore's cocktail scene. The last time World Class was held in Singapore was in 2019, when Bannie Kang, Tryson's wife, took home both the national and global titles. Now, five years on, she passes the baton to her husband to represent Singapore at the World Class Global Finals in Toronto this September.
Emirates Woman
07-03-2025
- Business
- Emirates Woman
Spotlight: 4 female bartenders shaking things up in the mocktail business
Sponsored Content by Team Emirates Woman 2 seconds ago It's a largely male-dominated industry, but in the UAE, there are a number of women shaking things up in the mixology scene. And this International Women's Day, Lyre's Non Alcoholic encourages you to discover the female creators and innovators serving up some of the best non-alcoholic serves this Ramadan. A brand that's all about inclusivity, Lyre's Non Alcoholic is showcasing the talents of some of the emirate's best female bartenders and the special Mocktail creations they've curated to pair with memorable iftar and suhoor gatherings this Ramadan. Allow us to introduce them… Raminta Ambrozeviciute, La Petite Maison Dubai 'I embarked on my journey in the UAE eight years ago in search of new challenges. Over half of that time has been dedicated to LPM, where I currently work as a Bar Supervisor. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to showcase my skills in various ways, from being nominated for Bartender of the Year to hosting a podcast highlighting women in the industry and collaborating with 50 Best Bars.' Signature Ramadan Mocktail: The Mid Roast Fizz, a refined mix of Lyre's Amaretti, cold brew coffee, and a touch of citrus orange foam. Find it at @lpmdubai Nazgul Kazieva, Ilios and Nalu, Surf Abu Dhabi 'My journey began in Dubai in 2018, where I spent six incredible years working with renowned brands and high-end venues in Downtown and DIFC. Along the way, I met amazing people in the hospitality industry and gained strong expertise in the field. Last year, I moved to Abu Dhabi, where I now manage two venues, continuing to grow and contribute to the industry. Signature Ramadan Mocktail: Queens. Crafted with Lyre's Italian Spritz, it offers a fizzy, fruity experience with a bittersweet passion fruit note. Find it at @ Giedre Bielskyte, District 8, Dubai Marina 'For over 10 years, I've been deeply immersed in shaping Dubai's ever-evolving bar scene, moving from high-volume establishments to fine dining bar experiences. The past three years have been spent pioneering and shaping trends around sustainability in the hospitality industry, particularly at Boca. I played an instrumental role in developing and championing sustainable practices that not only reduced our environmental footprint but also set a new standard for how bars and restaurants can lead by example.' Signature Ramadan Mocktail: The Duchess. Lyre's London Dry, clarified yuzu & lychee, and CO2. Find it at @districteightdubai Osmari Plaza, Gigi Beach, Dubai 'In an industry often dominated by men, I've embraced every challenge as an opportunity to prove that skill, passion, and leadership have no gender. Working in Dubai has allowed me to expand my knowledge of hospitality on a global scale, learning from diverse cultures and pushing my own limits. Every shift is a chance to create memorable experiences. My career is not just about serving drinks, it's about redefining expectations, seizing opportunities, and proving that there are no limits to what we can achieve.' Signature Ramadan Mocktail: Amalfi Tonico, a simple cocktail using Lyre's Italian spritz, mixed with bitter lemon and bubbles. Find it at @gigi_beach_dubai Shop Lyre's via
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Minneapolis bartender will compete for U.S. Bartender of the Year
The U.S. Bartenders Guild has unveiled its Top 30 World Class U.S. Bartenders, a list of finalists slated to compete in a national bartending contest this spring. Among the finalists is bartender Jarod Schiebout from Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis. Schiebout, who joined Spoon and Stable in 2023, will head to Athens, Ga., for the National Finals in May, where just one bartender will earn the right to represent the U.S. in the global finals, where someone is crowned the bartender of the year. He has been mentored by Soigné Hospitality's Beverage Director Jessi Pollak, who won the Diageo World Class National Finals and was named Bartender of the Year in 2022. She was the first Minnesota-based bartender to qualify for the national competition. The competition's judging panel narrowed the field from 100 down to 30 for the national finals, selecting 10 bartenders each from three regions. To get there, each mixologist had to breathe "new life into a retro classic cocktail" with a menu of three drinks that showcased the drink's past, present, and future. Judges then recreated one cocktail from each menu for a blind tasting. At the finals in Athens, bartenders will be tested on their ability to highlight the flavor profile of a Bulleit variant in a cocktail paired with a southern dish, draw inspiration from "Mexican commerce and community life" for a cocktail with locally sourced ingredients, and create high-quality drinks quickly from a pop-up menu.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mixologist Takuma Watanabe Hosts His First Bar Takeover In Canada
On Feb 23rd and 24th, Deauville Club welcomes Takuma Watanabe for his first takeover in Canada—an event cocktail lovers won't want to miss. TORONTO, February 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Revery Toronto Downtown, Deauville Club Toronto, and Expandwithjoy announce the arrival of the esteemed Takuma Watanabe, winner of Spirits Business Awards, 2024 Bartender of the Year, to Toronto's nightlife for the first time. Get ready for a two-night bar takeover on February 23rd and 24th, where Watanabe will bring his masterful mixology to Deauville Club, showcasing his exceptional talent and unique cocktails. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: "I'm so excited to visit Canada and finally bring my cocktails to Deauville Club! I've heard amazing things about the bar scene here, and I can't wait to meet everyone and share a great night. Let's make it unforgettable," said Takuma Watanabe, owner of Martiny's and L'Americana. Takuma Wanatabe, known for his vibrant spirit of creativity with his Japanese heritage, currently holds the title Bartender of the Year and the Best Bartender in North America 2024. Additionally, he is a semifinalist for the 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Based in New York, Martiny's won the Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar in 2023 and ranks #4 on North America's 50 Best Bars and #24 on the World's Best 50 Bars in 2024. In partnership with Campari Group Canada, experience a captivating blend of French elegance and global culinary inspiration at Deauville Club, nestled in the heart of Toronto's vibrant entertainment district. On February 23rd at 6 PM, Watanabe will spotlight Martiny's signature cocktail and more. This event promises more than just outstanding cocktails; every detail—from the warm hospitality to the elegant design elements and curated bar bites—has been meticulously crafted to offer an unforgettable experience. The excitement continues on February 24th, at 6 PM, as Deauville Club invites guests to indulge in cocktails inspired by "L'Americana," where Watanabe celebrates his passion for Italian cuisine. This tantalizing cocktail menu pays homage to Italian heritage while showcasing the innovative spirit that defines this iconic New York City neighbourhood. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in an extraordinary cocktail experience at Deauville Club. To book your reservation or to learn more about the Deauville Club x Takuma Wanatabe Bar Takeover, check the website for further details at or follow on Instagram and Facebook About Deauville Club inside Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by HiltonDeauville Club is a French-inspired dining destination where subtle rose pink hues, mirrored accents, and acrylic screens create an elegant, dreamlike setting. Continuing the cinematic theme and Hollywood glamour, the culinary experiences will indeed evoke a sense of wonder and delight. Located inside Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton is where cinematic storytelling meets refined hospitality. As part of Hilton's global lifestyle brand, Revery offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Toronto's vibrant entertainment district, blending striking design with an immersive atmosphere. This transformation into the Curio Collection by Hilton is a collaboration between local design teams and Easton's Group of Hotels, The Gupta Group, and The Gupta Family—visionaries redefining hospitality. Led by Steve Gupta, The Gupta Group is a global investment leader with 22 hotels and four in development across Ontario and Quebec, featuring top brands like Hilton, Marriott, and IHG. Visit and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. About Expand With JoyExpandwithjoy is an events-based agency that supports world-class chefs and mixologists in expanding their restaurants and bars internationally. Founder Joy Puja Chopra, a passionate foodie, is active in the hospitality world and has organized events for Unicef NextGen, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the American India Foundation, as well as various galas and panels on entrepreneurship and mental health. For more information and partnership opportunities, please reach out to joy@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Deauville Club inside Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton Sign in to access your portfolio
