Cirencester’s top mixologists are set to go head-to-head as the town’s annual Summer Cocktail Competition returns to Téatro Restaurant and Bar on Wednesday 13 May.
Held to coincide with World Cocktail Day, the lively contest will see Téatro’s own Arran Fowler take on Tom Holland of Henry’s Seafood Bar & Grill and Samuel Abbott from You, Me and Umami in nearby Lechlade. The trio will each put forward their signature serves in a battle that promises creativity, precision and plenty of flair. Judging duties fall to Neil Robson, the new manager of Arkell’s Brewery’s neighbouring pub, The Talbot Inn, which is set to reopen under a new name later this month.
Following last year’s successful format, competitors will each present one cocktail and one mocktail, judged blind by the panel. With no indication of which drinks come from which venue, the competition is designed to focus purely on flavour, balance and presentation before an overall winner is crowned.
“World Cocktail Day is a global celebration of cocktails; it marks the publication date of the first definition of a cocktail on May 13 in 1806,” Téatro’s Arran said. “Drinks and mixing has changed a lot, even in the last ten years. I have never actually competed before so am looking forward to going against some cool new people, Foyez, now of You, Me and Umami, always has cool drinks, so I know Samuel’s is going to be epic.”
Neil Robson brings international experience to the judging panel and is keen to explore the town’s mixology scene: “It is a pleasure to meet some more people from the industry, and be invited into something that has become somewhat of a tradition. When we open, (Talbot) we will be a pub, so cocktails will not be our thing, so it is great for me to try what the town has to offer, away from the office.”
Feature image features Samuel Abbott
