Savoy bartender triumphant in Beefeater comp

The Savoy bartender Joe Schofield has been named national champion of the UK Beefeater MIXLDN Cocktail Competition.

The Savoy’s Joe Schofield (second from left) has won the UK leg of the Beefeater MIXLDN cocktail competition

Schofield, bartender at The American Bar and The Beaufort Bar at London’s The Savoy hotel, fought off competition from 11 other entrants and impressed a panel of expert judges with his Mother’s Milk cocktail.

To reflect the competition’s theme of the evolution of London, Schofield’s cocktail was inspired by 24 Milk Street – a residence previously incinerated in the Great Fire of London that was later home to renowned Victorian chef Isabella Beeton.

As his prize, Schofield will take part in a three-day experience learning about London’s cocktail history, where he will undertake a series of challenges to test his bartending skills.

He will take part in the global final of Beefeater MIXLDN on 26-29 January.

“I feel so grateful to have won the 2015 UK Beefeater MIXLDN competition as it was a very challenging final with some amazing drinks from the other contenders,” said Schofield.

“I am very excited about being part of the global final – I know competition will be stiff but it will be a great opportunity to learn from the industry’s best.”

The winner of the Beefeater MIXLDN 2015 Global Bartender Champion will be mentored by experts as part of the Beefeater Global Brand Ambassador Programme and will represent the brand in their market and across the world.