What a competition! March madness kicked off in full swing with our first female competitor of the year Merka Gregova. She came out representing female flairer’s all over the world and did not let them down. Dancing Mark made a welcomed return showing exactly what he was capable of although no dancing??? Perhaps a name change is on the cards? Tony Malin got a special mention from the judges impressed how his standard has increased over the past 3 comps. Adam Ingram came down flying the flag for Scotland and pulled out a bunch of moves with his smooth style, would be great to see him come back and rock the stage again.
The highlight for me was Gavin Smith’s return to the Roadhouse stage after an 18 month absence and showed everyone how it’s done styling out an awesome amaretto and chambord working flair move culminating into a pour, a true flair bartender.
So in the finals, Matt Flint qualified in 3rd and kept his rank to get himself through to the grand finals Beating Clinton Weir & Ginge, who both had great rounds and nailed some impressive moves.
Unfortunately with deductions adding up they slipped down to 4th & 5th. Matt’s routine scored higher overall it was a smooth routine and a position well deserved.
Anthony Trueman came back to show us all he has what it takes, a great showman and a pleasure to watch. So that leaves us with Alex Searle and Tom Dyer. Alex Searle dominated the stage and did by far the best routine I have seen him do. His originality and creativity is getting better and better and from all the feedback, is this year’s favourite. Tom did what Tom does best and entertained us with a fluid routine making it look easy and effortless. I am seeing a continued increase in the standard at Roadhouse and it gets better and better.
Bring on April’s world challenge on Sunday the 25th which is almost fully booked….So you know It’s gonna be huge!!
Before that, make sure you get down to Roadhouse on April 11th, when we kick off The UK Bar Wars, the best of the best going head to head in what will be an awesome showdown. If your barteam is interested in getting involved in this, the next biggest bartending challenge, be sure to contact Darren@roadhouse.co.uk.
For more information, this is going to be MASSIVE!!!
Oli
Results overview :
1. Tom Dyer Dangerour Dyer.com
2. Alex Searle Independant
3. Matt Flint Prohibition
4. Ginge Living Room
5. Clinton Weir Bar Mazter
6. Anthony Trueman Island Bar
7. Gavin Smith Prohibition
8. Marco Cicconi Independent
9. Lee Johnson Rock’n'Rita’s
10. Adam Ingram LA Bartenders
11. Pete Jones Roadhouse
12. Tony Malin The Living Room
13. Marco Bernadi The Living Room
14. Alex Wall Roadhouse
15. Merka Gregova Creative Bar School
16. Dancing Mark Panache Bar
17. Nick Harrison Disney Cruise Lines
18. Chris Callow Spinbar Events
David has been working in the hospitality business since the 2003, but long before that he started designing.
Born in the States but raised in the Netherlands, today he works in bars and as a freelance webdesigner.
From working in different bars, his love for bartending grew exponentially and that's the reason David started to combine his love for bartending and his eye for design and film in Delirium TV.