Complimentary cocktails? From the best bartenders in the country? Are you still here?

Think you know a thing or two about cocktails? Fancy tasting some of the most innovative cocktails by Britain’s best bartenders? Well for the past three months Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge has been searching high and low to find the best bartender in Britain and now it’s over to you to decide the winner.

Among the four finalists from 500 entrants are London’s Lee Potter-Cavanagh from Marks Bar @ Hix and Stuart Hudson from one of our favourite meateries, Hawksmoor. Their skills came under scrutiny on a variety of qualities from ability and cocktail creation, to knowledge and charisma. In fact, before they even walked behind the bar, competitors had to complete a written rum test.

For the final, the public attending will sample the complimentary cocktails, each served from the bartenders’ bespoke cocktail menus from their bespoke pop-up bars. And then pontificate on who should win. The top prize will be decided by a combination of public vote on the best pop-up bar and cocktail, plus a judging panel of four industry insiders including Jamie MacDonald, owner of the award winning bar The Raconteur.

UK Final of the Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge
May 16, 6.30pm- 10pm
The Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL
Nearest tube: Canary Wharf
Tickets are available by emailing Challenge@rum.co.uk