Totally Dublin was on hand to report on the European Bartender Championships on September 16th & 17th at TGI Friday’s on St Stephen’s Green in Dublin.
The competition pitted the best bartenders from Europe against each other – the winner of the two-day competition gaining not only the honour of being Europe’s top bartender, but also getting the opportunity to represent this continent in the upcoming World Championships which take place next March in Dallas, Texas.
With one bartender from each of the finalist nations competing over two days, there was a pour, and recipe test to begin, with ”the Freestyle round in which all competitors from the qualifying countries have their time to make drinks, show their talent and show the Friday’s way of serving cocktails”, according to Becki Egan the Irish competitor.
Following many practice runs and 48 hours of competition, Norway’s representative, Stefan Jansson won the event.
Afterwards Stefan said that it was a close competition, and that he’s looking forward to the ”honour and experience” of the trip to Dallas.
”It was a very tough competition, but I used my experience from last year and knew what to expect. In the end it was the pour test that made the difference, I think. I chose to make Long Island Ice Tea because I wanted to do a four bottle pour with one hand, and that is the only drink with the same amount of the four key ingredients. It is also a very popular Friday’s drink with a rich history’’.
Competition was fierce, but the special comradery that exists between the nations was palpable, and made the event a really enjoyable occasion for all involved.
Alex Bonder // Belarus
Marius Nechita // Austria
Becki Egan // Ireland
Lauren Flintham // Cyprus
Eventual Winner: Stefan Jansson // Norway
