What a day down at the Roadhouse! As the MC Tyson Davies would say “Can I get a rewind?” My answer to that would have to be “Yes please!” an incredible day of international flair with bartenders showing us just how they do it in their country and boy were the judges and my self blown away with the standard.
A noticeable presence was Alibeck from Kazakhstan. He came out with a unique style and had some beautiful 4 tin and 1 bottle moves, shame we didn’t get chance to see the 5 tin stuff. Toru came over representing Japan and had some unique moves which he pulled off in style. Poland was in the house doing what they do best with Radslaw, Macaj and Marcin showing the Roadhouse how they do things over there, Polish style.
Highlight of the day was the aniticpated return of Antonio Mantelli and Luca Valentin. Antonio has been absent with an injury and hasn’t competed since the World finals so it was great to welcome him back and watch the crowd go crazy with his great personality, flair and stage presence. Luca Valentin dominated the heats with individual style, flair & innovative moves. He came over with 3 other Romanian Flair bartenders, Bogdan, Ionut & Cladiu. All of these guys displayed great moves and skill but out of the 3 Cladiu went through to the finals even though he was sick with a fever, what a weapon and a trooper, nice one!
So in the finals, Luca, Tom Dyer, Antonio, Alex, Rane & Cladiu. All bartenders wanted to better the next and they fought long and hard in their performances to get the ranking they deserved. Although it was clear that you can’t please everyone!
Cladiu and Rane all had good rounds but Cladiu went on to get himself a spot in the November World Final. I hope he recovers and comes back fit and well. Antonio Mantelli has stage presence you can’t help but dig. He constantly smiles and truly loves to perform and as a bartender is a pleasure to watch. Alex Searle had a good round but the battle was between Luca and Tom and whilst Luca’s moves were amazing and entertaining Tom Dyer went off and nailed some incredible stuff. It was nice to see the fire and passion back in Tom and hope he keeps it up.
So 1st place was Tom with Luca close in 2nd and Antonio in 3rd. Luca, Antonio and Cladiu all qualifying for the grand final. I’d like to personally thank Ben Martin, Vicki Patras and of course Timppa for flying over to judge. It was an absolute pleasure to have you in the building. Thank you. I also would like to wish all the bartenders competing in Romania & Croatia all the best of luck. Many thanks to Delirium TV and Finest call for your help on the day.
Oli Pluck
Guys dont forget that we are pushing the prepare to flair final back to October so we will be looking for young and fresh flair bartenders to be competing in Augusts competition along with the bar wars.
For more information please email Darren@roadhouse.co.uk
Videos coming soon!
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.