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The week in pictures

As part of an artificial intelligence festival at London’s Barbican Centre, the Makr Shakr robot bartender is mixing up drinks for tech-savvy Londoners.

The robotic bartender made its London debut this week as part of the More Than Human exhibition at the Barbican Centre.

Makr Shakr will be installed until 26 August, and drinkers will be able to order from a selection of signature cocktails or will be able to use the robots to create their own drinks.

English singer-songwriter Barns Courtney stopped off at the home of Jim Beam Bourbon this week.

The Glitter & Gold singer has been touring the US, but made time for a visit to the Jim Beam American Stillhouse. While visiting the home of Jim Beam, Courtney could be seen sipping Bourbon and performing for a small group of fans at the distillery’s first-ever pop-up show.

Spanish liqueur brand Licor 43 hosted the UK launch of its new coffee-flavoured Baristo expression this week.

Taking to the Big Lebowski-inspired Meat Liquor Lanes in London, guests were invited to sample a series of cocktails created with the new liqueur, including the El Duderino Espresso Martini 43, and Shut Up Donny White Russian.

Clifton Coffee Roasters were also on hand to host a series of workshops that taught guests more about the production of coffee.

This week, Bacardi crowned Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn the winner of its Legacy Cocktail Competition during the final in Amsterdam.

Kanivichaporn, who is the first bartender representing an Asian country to win the contest, claimed the title after creating the Pink Me Up, which combined Bacardi Carta Blanca, tomato, orgeat syrup, lemon juice, olive brine and fresh basil.

Kanivichaporn said: “I didn’t come here tonight with any expectation at all, but instead I thought ‘I’m going to share my inspiration with you guys’. It’s been amazing this week here in Amsterdam with my fellow competitors and Bacardi – as important as coming away as the winner is the fact that I now have a new family.”

Angostura has opened entries for its 2019 Global Cocktail Challenge, which tasks the world’s bartenders with creating new drinks using its portfolio of rums, amaro and cocktail bitters.

Bartenders interested in entering the contest should submit their recipes online at angosturaglobalcocktailchallenge.com. Successful entrants will then compete in the regional and national heats for a chance to reach the grand final in Trinidad and Tobago.

Those taking part in the contest will be vying for the title of Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge Champion, as well as a US$10,000 cash prize and a two-year contract as Angostura’s global brand ambassador.

London cocktail bar Liquorette celebrated World Cocktail Day (13 May) by serving up free cocktails.

Between 5pm and 6pm on 13 May, London drinkers could get their hands on a free cocktail from the London bar, by either visiting the venue or arranging a cocktail delivery straight to their door.

The bar’s All Star cocktail menu, which includes the Almond Martini and Agave Negroni, is available to drink in the bar, order for takeaway or can be delivered through the bar’s cocktail delivery service.

First minister for Scotland Nicola Sturgeon officially opened the doors to the new home of McQueen Gin this week.

Sturgeon cut the ribbon at the new 6,200sq ft distillery, which lies at the gateway of the Trossachs National Park. The new distillery will enable manufacturing, bottling, packing and shipping capacity to increase by more than 1,000%.

At the opening of distillery, Sturgeon said: “The formal opening of the new distillery is an opportunity to recognise the vision of the co-owners and the hard-work and dedication of the staff, and I look forward to seeing greater success as McQueen expands into markets around the world.”

Around the World in 80 Days-themed cocktail bar Mr Fogg’s hosted a tasting tour of its London venues this week.

The Mr Fogg’s Cocktail Tasting Experience transported guests from its House of Botanicals venue to Mr Fogg’s Residence, before finishing in the Society of Exploration.

During the tour, guests were treated to a host of the chain’s signature cocktails selected via scent or through a Victorian-inspired selection mechanism.

A new cocktail bar opened its doors in London’s Tooting Market this week.

Located above street food stall Poptata, Top of the Pop offers a selection of drinks including a Gin & Tonic trolley as well as cocktails on tap.

The bar will serve up Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritz’s on tap, as well as a menu of freshly prepared signature serves. To celebrate the opening, the first 300 visitors to the bar today (17 May) will be given a complimentary glass of Prosecco.

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