Award-winning ‘mixologist’ Rick Warrier has been sharing the secrets of the art of cocktail making during a masterclass run by West Cheshire College.

Rick, who leads the Bar Lounge bar team in Chester, demonstrated his mixing skills during a Professional Bartending and Cocktail Masterclass staged at Upstairs at the Grill in Chester.

Vocational Director Phil Grey, of West Cheshire College, said: “While the cocktail mixing is a lot of fun, there is a serious side to the course.

“Chester’s tourists and visitors are essential to the area’s economy so it’s important people working in hospitality and catering have an opportunity to learn all the skills they need to provide first class service.

“The masterclass also covered bar basics, professional drinks service and expert customer care – as well as the practical making and shaking of popular cocktails.”

Among course attendees were staff from some of the area’s leading bars and restaurants including Carden Park, Oddfellows, Crowne Plaza and the George and Dragon at Tarvin.

Carden Park’s Debbie Corbett said: “The course was fun and informative at the same time and we all enjoyed it immensely. We would recommend it to any bars or similar outlets involved in the tourist trade.”

Phil said: “The course was both fun and practical, as well as very popular, so new classes are planned for the New Year which will include Advanced Cocktail Making and a Chocolate and Desserts Masterclass.”

For more details on catering masterclasses run by West Cheshire college contact Phil Grey on 01244 670492 or email p.grey@west-cheshire.ac.uk.