Pilsner Urquell hunts for master bartender
The competition, now in its fourth year, saw 1,700 bartenders enter the contest. The winner will be taken on a three night trip to Prague, in October, to compete in the International Pilsner Urquell Master Bartender awards, where they will have the chance to win €10,000 and the prestigious title.
They received training on the lager category, brand and brewing knowledge and on how to execute the perfect pour technique for Pilsner Urquell.
A panel of industry experts, including beer writer Roger Protz interviewed the entrants and judged them on their practical bar skills.
The finalists are:
- Robert Kecskes - The Anthologist, London
- Victoria Cook - The Thatchers Arms, Mount Bures
- Mitch Adams - The Thatchers Arms, Mount Bures
- Robert Hands - Grey Walls Hotel, Windermere
- David Ashton-Hyde - Hinds Head, Bray
- Ryan Osnowski - Hinds Head, Bray
- Catherine Curran - The Swan, Chiswick
- Gary Burgess - Prince of Wales, Sheffield
- Emily Grab - Whey Pat Tavern, Fife
- Samantha Clark - Treehouse, High Wycombe
Director of trade marketing at Miller Brands Laura Edwards said: “Pilsner Urquell delivers uncompromised quality in every pint. Our Master Bartender programme aims to ensure consumers enjoy Pilsner Urquell at its best, through training bartenders both on sharing their knowledge on the quality of the lager and in how to give the perfect serve.
"We’ve never had so many entrants from UK bartenders, and the standard this year is higher than ever, we’re excited to see what the ten finalists can do.”
