The Manc bartenders in the running to be the best in Britain

Manchester has a world-class nightlife scene but you couldn’t have that without a cracking set of bartenders to keep you well-oiled and happy till late into the evening.

Jade Rose and Daniel Stead stand out as shining stars in the constellation of Manchester’s bartending excellence, having been nominated as two of the best bartenders in the UK.

Jade, who works for Speak in Code,  and Daniel, who works for Science and Industry, are down to the Top 100 across the whole of Great Britain.

World Class global finals

They will compete for a spot in the World Class global finals in a bid to become the best of the best. They join 100 bartenders participating across 20 towns and cities across Britain.

From Bristol to Birmingham and London to Liverpool, each participating bar will shake up and serve a menu of at least three cocktails that have never before been available to try, created by the Top 100 bartenders in GB.

1. For gin lovers: a cocktail made using Tanqueray No. TEN, a small batch crafted gin with notes of juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice.
2. For whisky fans: a cocktail made using The Singleton 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky,  a Speyside scotch.
3. For those who fancy an alcohol-free option: a cocktail made using Seedlip, an alcohol-free spirit to drink when ‘not drinking’.

So what makes a great bartender? We asked the pros.

Jade Rose – Speak in Code

Jade Rose has been working behind a bar since she was 16, ‘doing odd jobs in pubs and similar places, mostly in dive bars’.

“I’ve always been drawn to Manchester’s atmosphere and the variety of drinks and great bars,” said Jade.

“Working in this environment has always appealed to me. Participating in competitions is something new for me, but I enjoy challenges and learning new things, which is why I decided to enter.”

So how does it feel to be one of the best bartenders in Manchester?

“It might sound a bit odd, but I find it genuinely such a nice community to be involved with. It feels great when people acknowledge the effort you put in and recognise your hard work.

“Having that sense of community and support around you makes it easier to take risks and pursue your goals with confidence.”

For Jade, it’s the guests at their bars who make the place what it is.

But what makes a good bartender? Let Jade explain.

“People come in seeking some fun, enjoyment, and to forget their worries. I think the most crucial aspect is the power to influence someone’s day positively, lifting it from a mediocre 3 to an exciting 7.

Daniel Stead – Science and Industry

Daniel is the head bartender at the award-winning Science and Industry Bar and is passionate about bartending.

He said it was ‘thrilling to be nominated’ and was excited to take things through to the next stage.

“Just receiving feedback and making it through to the next stage, preparing for the judges’ visit, it’s all been a whirlwind,” he said.

“You never quite know what to expect when you enter these competitions, but so far, it’s been unexpectedly fun.

So why does Daniel love being a bartender so much?

“For me, it all boils down to passion. It’s not just about being passionate about top-notch ingredients or delicious flavour combinations, although that’s a big part of it.

“As Jade mentioned, it’s about the interaction with guests, and delivering exceptional customer service. One of the aspects I love most about my job is engaging with guests and discussing topics I’m truly passionate about.

“Whether it’s chatting about cocktails, flavour profiles, or anything related, I enjoy it so much.”

Daniel has worked in several bars, from dive bars and tropical bars to a speakeasy cocktail environment.

He says that learning different skills has always kept him excited and motivated.

“I think seeing some of the exceptional bars in Manchester and beyond and experiencing different atmospheres has been incredibly influential.

“Learning from these experiences beyond my own workplace has driven me to explore further and push myself to create special experiences.

“I particularly enjoy visiting top bars, and there’s plenty across all of Manchester -it’s great to see how the best of the best do it.”

Daniel And Jade are down to the Top 100 across the whole of Britain and will be visited by competition judges throughout the festival to determine who makes it into the Top 20 and therefore has the chance to compete in the grand final for the chance to represent Britain at the World Class global finals in Shanghai later this year.

Each bar will offer at least three limited edition cocktails that customers can try over the next 7 weeks (9^th March – 30^th April).

This is the first national cocktail festival which reaches all corners of the UK, a first of its kind, so why not head down to Speak in Code and Science and Industry to give Jade and Daniel’s drinks a try?

The full list of Manchester-based bartenders who have been nominated are:

• Daniel Stead, Science and Industry
• Jade Rose,  Speak in Code
• Klaudia Rose, Cloud 23
• Michael Yishak, Blues Kitchen
• Eve Morley, The Daisy

You can find out more about World Class by clicking here