// Best Of Birmingham
The Edgbaston COULD IT BE MIAMI FOR THE EDGBASTON HEAD BARTENDER?
James Bowker, Head Bartender of The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge is through to the Diageo Reserve World Class GB Bartender of The Year final due to take place in June in London, with the GB winner going on to compete in Miami in a global final.
James was selected in London from a strong list of 50 semi- finalists who took part in a day of challenges to include creating a signature cocktail having been given the brief of ‘Fruit & Plants’ and having been inspired by someone who has made a difference to the environment. This first challenge had already taken place previously at The Edgbaston with James having chosen Henry David Thoreau for his conservation efforts and made a drink with Grass-Aromatised Tanqueray No. 10, Fresh Lemon, Pea, Quince and Apple Shrub and Tonic Water. The drink needed to be fresh, vibrant and consisting of light flavours with a seasonal theme of spring or summer, the judges loved it and hence James was invited to London to take part in the semi-final. Three further challenges pursued in London with the results being announced at The Oriole Bar in London.
James started working at The Edgbaston as one of the opening team in May 2014 and quickly progressed to take on the role of
Head Bartender. Having an absurd love of learning and challenging himself, James naturally found himself at countless cocktail competitions. Getting through to the UK semi-finals of the biggest competition of all - World Class, has been the best experience so far! James added; “After four intense rounds, it was fantastic to be announced as being in the UK Top Ten and to be invited to compete in the finals in June. I’ve also been shortlisted for the forthcoming Birmingham Food Drink & Hospitality Awards taking place in June in Birmingham for the 'Rising Food & Drink Star’, so June is going to be busy”.
THE EDGBASTON 18 Highfield Road, Edgbaston B15 3DU T. 0121 454 5212
www.theedgbaston.co.uk
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