It’s official: the UK’s best bartender is in London

Ever thought, ‘we make a damn fine martini here in London’? Well, it’s now official, as the World Class bartending competition has just crowned its 2025 GB Champion – and he’s based right here in the capital. 

The winner is Emanuele Mensah, who was representing the Connaught Bar in Mayfair. After a gruelling three day piss-up, sorry, contest, in Edinburgh, Mensah scored victory and will now go on to represent Great Britain at the World Class global final in Toronto later this year. 

Ten bartenders took part in the GB finals, and were tested on ‘everything from technique to storytelling and cocktail innovation’. They were judged by a panel of industry experts. ‘Emanuele impressed judges with his creativity, passion, personality, and storytelling,’ said a statement. ‘He brought something truly unforgettable to every step of the journey, and now, he’ll go on to represent GB on the global stage.’ It’s basically the Olympics, but for booze!

Emanuele Mensah was born in Italy, and moved to London when he was 23. He previously worked at Lyaness and is currently prep mixologist at the Connaught Bar.

The Connaught Bar is one of the finest cocktail bars in London. ‘What with the marble floors and plush leather sofas, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Bond movie,’ reads our Time Out review of the fancy joint. ‘Spiffy waiters wheel out a martini trolley and mix your indulgent beverage right in front of you.’

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