Marco Pierre White last night crowned the UK’s Best Bartender – at the Final of World Class UK 2009 – the Oscar’s of the bartending world. Held at the exclusive Kent House in London’s Knightsbridge, four bartenders have dazzled the judges by showcasing exceptional mixology skills to make the final four and are currently battling it out for the ultimate title.

Video: Marco Pierre White at Diageo World Class UK Final

In a day-long trial, the final four are being tested to the limits, in a competition which has seen them take part in rounds covering bartending knowledge, mixology and an innovation challenge where they had to prove their creativity against the clock. 15 bartenders were whittled down to Andreas Tsanos from Zuma in London, James Hill from Menzels in Sheffield, Joey Medrington from Tiger Lily in Edinburgh and also Ryan Chetiyawardana (pictured) from Bramble in Edinburgh, who are now fiercely competing for the grand prize.

Alongside Marco Pierre White, the infamous Michelin-starred chef, the competition is being judged by some of the country’s foremost experts in taste, style and bartending, namely Andy Pearson, TV Mixologist; Bill Prince, Deputy Editor of GQ; Ian Cameron, Managing Editor of Theme (one of the bar industry’s leading magazines) and Barrie Wilson, Reserve’s Head of Brand Ambassadors.

Marco says I’ve been totally blown away by the skill of the bartenders in this final. Their creations have truly shown that a great barperson needs to be as creative and skilful as a leading chef. The final four have been phenomenal so far – I can?t wait to see what drinks they come up with to top the first three rounds.

The overall winner of the today?s final will go on to compete in the prestigious World Class Global Final, taking place later this month, which will see them representing the UK against the finest bartenders from around the world including Australia, China, Singapore, Brazil and Greece. The global winner will go on to have their definitive book of cocktails published courtesy of Diageo and be the face of a global campaign to raise the profile of the industry, themselves and their bar.

Diageo Reserve Brands launched its “World Class” bartender programme to recognise the incredible skill sets of bartenders across Britain. The UK final of World Class was the culmination of a year long series of regional category finals – rum, tequila, gin and vodka – from which fifteen winners were chosen to compete in the UK final.

To find out more about the World Class competition and details on how to enter next year’s competition log onto www.weareworldclass.com

To see the photos from the event visit: www.flickr.com/worldclassuk