BarLifeUK

UK Bars and Bartenders Miss Out at 2013 Spirited Awards

Anyone with a Facebook account can’t have failed to notice that Tales of the Cocktail took place last week.

Tales of the Cocktail… Lagging behind the rest of the World somewhat when it comes to graphic design.

Amongst the sweat and hangover-related status updates, it sounds like the cocktail festival was a success. BarLifeUK didn’t attend this year, but we have it on good authority that Jake Burger and Dean Callan’s pineapple session was the seminar star of the show.

Tales’ closing event is traditionally the Spirited Awards dinner, and for several years the UK’s bars and bartenders have shown well in, if not dominated, the international categories.

Not so this year, with all of the bar-related categories going to American (or USA-based) winners, most notably New York’s Dead Rabbit picking up ‘best new bar’ and ‘world’s best cocktail menu’ awards. Drink in Boston claimed ‘world’s best bar’.

However, it would appear that British drinks writing remains at the top of the pile, with all of the journalism and writing awards going to Brits. Congratulations to Difford’s Guides (best publication), Gaz Regan (best author – he may be a ‘Mercan now, but he’s still technically an Englishman) and Tony Conigliaro (best new book).

Well played to all of the UK’s venues and bartenders who made it to the final four in their categories… Next time! And a doff of the cap to Jacob Briars for his best ambassador award.

Full list of awards winners