Speciality Sessions returns with new bar partner
Speciality Drinks’ on-trade training programme, Speciality Sessions, will relaunch this September in partnership with Oriole in Covent Garden, London.
After a two-year partnership with London’s Stereo Bar, Speciality Sessions will host its first event at Oriole on 17 September.
Hannah Lanfear, spirits educator and advocacy manager at Speciality Drinks, commented on the new London partnership: “We’re delighted to be relaunching Speciality Sessions with a fantastic new partner, Oriole. Across the Speakeasy Group (Nightjar, Swift, and Oriole), there’s a shared appreciation for the competitive advantage that spirits knowledge gives bartenders as they progress in their careers.
“We can’t wait to work with their brilliant team and to welcome our sessions’ competitors to this beautiful venue.”
Next month’s session will focus on vodka, and one lucky attendee will have the chance to win a trip to Tito’s Distillery in Austin, Texas.
Additionally, an alternative session will take place at Milk Thistle in Bristol on 9 September.
Roisin Stimpson, director of Speakeasy Entertainment, said: “Oriole is thrilled to be partnering with Speciality Sessions, whose groundbreaking approach to bar industry education perfectly aligns with our vision. As curators of exceptional spirits and unforgettable experiences, this collaboration is a natural fit for Oriole, which aims to be a centre of hospitality excellence in the heart of London.”
Since its launch in 2023, Speciality Sessions has welcomed more than 750 bartenders from London and across the UK to its informative training events, led by Lanfear.
Past sessions have covered topics such as juniper, Bourbon, world whisky, and Tequila. Participants in these sessions have had the opportunity to compete for a chance to visit renowned distilleries, including Angel’s Envy in Kentucky and Mezcal Amaras in Mexico.
Hazel Glen, sales director for Speciality Drinks, added: “Vodka can be overlooked as simplistic due to its reputation as a neutral spirit, but, at Speciality Drinks, we champion the products that stand out from the crowd.
“Not all vodkas are created equal, and we’re excited to see the premium brands we work with, such as Belvedere and Pod Pea Vodka, showcasing the things that make them different, from the varied raw materials to the processes that create texture, flavour and aroma. We’ll be diving more into all of these details in our latest Speciality Session.”
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