Diageo World Class crowns GB Bartender of the Year

Matt Arnold of Passing Fancies in Birmingham has been named as the Diageo World Class GB Bartender of the Year 2023. 

Over the course of two days, Arnold wowed a combination of over 40 judges to take the crown and will now go on to represent Great Britain in the World Class Global Final in São Paulo, Brazil, in September 2023.

"It’s surreal the fact that I’ve won," he says. "Being part of World Class GB has been an amazing experience and I just feel so grateful to be a part of it. I was surrounded by incredible competitors, who I cannot wait to represent in the global finals. A massive thanks to the team that help make World Class the incredible competition it is, and last but not least Lele, Eve and Tommy who I could not have done this without. São Paulo here we come."

This year’s GB final took place on 26 and 27 of June at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, in the heart of Edinburgh, where the top 10 finalists took to the stage in a series of tasks that showed off their creative flair, personality and bartending skills.

"Over the past six months we have seen a new group of bartenders showcasing their creativity, passion and commitment to their craft," says World Class GB Ambassador Jo Last. "The most rewarding part in leading a programme like this is connecting with bartenders all over the UK and we are looking forward to welcoming more of you into the World Class family next year. 

"We are so excited and proud to have Matt representing GB on the global stage in São Paulo this September. Matt has consistently created delicious drinks throughout the competition and is a World Class winner on and off the stage. We look forward to coaching him through the global finals and I hope all of GB will join us in supporting him however they can in the lead up and when he competes in São Paulo."

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