Connaught bartender wins GB World Class

Emanuele Mensah of The Connaught Bar in London has been crowned the 2025 GB Champion of the World Class bartending competition. 

Following a three-day final in Edinburgh, the event saw the last top 10 battling out in three immersive challenges, which were judged by a panel of industry professionals, including Monica Berg, Sandrae Lawrence, Simone Caparole, Iain Mcpherson and 2024 World Class GB winner Danilo Frigulti.

Mensah impressed judges with his creativity, passion, personality and storytelling. The panel said he brought something "truly unforgettable" to every step of the journey. Following his win, Mensah will go on to represent GB on the global stage and the World Class Global Final.

He clinched the title on his third attempt at taking part in World Class and will now receive a prize package, including an all-expenses-paid trip to the World Class Global Final in Toronto.

This is alongside a year-long creative partnership with Diageo GB, mentoring sessions with GB judges and Diageo GB, global exposure and exclusive access to "unforgettable experiences".

Born in Italy, at 23 Mensah moved to London where his bartending career took off. His journey led him to Sydney’s renowned Eau de Vie, before returning to London to deepen his expertise in flavours and hospitality. He has since worked at prestigious venues such as Baccarat, Lyaness and currently serves as Prep Mixologist at the Connaught Bar.

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