COCKTAIL hour was truly in full swing this week as the best bartenders in Chester stirred the crowds in the Chester Food & Drink Festival Cocktail Competition.
The event, held at Cruise Nightclub, saw 13 mixologists competing to create the perfect cocktail judged on content, presentation, taste and flair.
All the winners collected numerous bottles of Stolichnaya vodka, with digital photo frames for the top two and a golden trophy for the winner.
Matthew George from The Living Room was declared the winner with The Black Forest Gateau, a dark blend including coffee, tequila and strawberries.
He will receive his prize at the Chester Food & Drink Festival Gala Awards Dinner at Chester Racecourse on April 15.
Matthew, 25, said: “It feels great to win, I really wasn’t expecting it. I started bartending a couple of years ago and the standard of competition in Chester has really improved my skills.”
Jamie Jones of Amber Lounge took second place with the suitably potent and difficult to pronounce Co’ Chi Oska and Li Armistead of The Living Room scooped third with the Spanish inspired ‘love juice’ Zumo Amor.
Event organiser Hannah Worrall said: “The venue was buzzing and is another great addition to Chester’s nightlife. Thanks to our esteemed judges who managed to stay sober enough to choose the winner from so many delicious cocktails.”
The judges comprised Alina Cavanagh from Marcher Sound, bar and club multiple retailer Stuart Robinson, and Joanne Ball from sponsors Maxxium UK.
