Cocktail lovers across Yorkshire are in for a treat as the Diageo World Class GB Cocktail Festival returns this April, bringing two weeks of exclusive, expertly crafted drinks to some of the region’s best bars. Running from 14th to 27th April 2025, the festival highlights the talent of Britain’s top bartenders, each ranked within the Top 100 finalists of the prestigious Diageo World Class GB competition.
This year, nine of Yorkshire’s finest bars will take part, including Leeds favourites Farrands Bar, Arc Inspirations, Empire Cafe, Shears Yard, and Below Stairs Bar, as well as Sheffield’s Public, Cubana, and Sheffield Pearl at Park Hill. Each venue will serve a bespoke menu of three limited-edition cocktails, featuring premium spirits like Don Julio tequila, The Singleton whisky, and Seedlip.
The festival shines a spotlight on the incredible skills of local bartenders, with creations such as Melissa Wyper’s Hot To Go! from Farrands Bar, a modern take on the Hot Toddy, blending Singleton 12 with fig honey, Cynar Amaro, and berry tea. Aidan Beaumont of Arc Inspiration presents Triangular Rose, which combines blanco tequila with tart rhubarb, dragonfruit, prickly pear liqueur, and bay leaf infusion, fusing Yorkshire heritage with bold Mexican flavours.
Other highlights include Alex Holmes’ Fortune Favours the Brave at Empire Cafe, a daring mix of Singleton 12, soy sauce soda, foraged water mint, woodruff, and violet liqueur, complete with a fortune cookie. Over in Sheffield, Owen Ziegenbalg’s Oma’s Rezept at Sheffield Pearl brings a comforting strudel-inspired cocktail, pairing Singleton 12’s rich, fruity notes with brown butter-washed Tio Pepe, baked apples, cassia bark syrup, and a calvados hydrosol spray. Meanwhile, Hoani Baxter of Cubana invites guests to experience Still Single, a personalised drink served in a custom copper pot still glass, allowing drinkers to tailor the level of smoke and flavour, complemented by apple vermouth and spiced pear cordial.
“The talent on show across the country this year has been fantastic to see,” said Jo Last, Diageo GB’s Advocacy Manager. “It’s time to get out and show your local bars how much you love them! We have passionate bartenders showcasing their unique talents in some of the best bars in Leeds and Sheffield. Let’s show them all some support.”
The festival is exclusive to bars featuring bartenders who have earned a spot in the Top 100 of the World Class GB cocktail competition, a prestigious platform dedicated to discovering and celebrating the next generation of bartending talent in Great Britain. Beyond showcasing the creativity and expertise of these top bartenders, the festival aims to encourage cocktail enthusiasts to explore and support their local bars.
For a full list of participating venues and more details, visit https://www.thebar.com/en-gb/worldclasscocktailfestival and follow @thebargb on social media. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking to enjoy a top-tier drink in a lively atmosphere, the Diageo World Class GB Cocktail Festival promises a flavour-packed fortnight you won’t want to miss.
