WARRINGTON bartender Ryan Maughan is celebrating after making the Top 100 finalists of the Diageo World Class 2025, championing local bar scenes and the communities that make them so special, elevating cocktail culture nationwide.
Now Ryan, who is manager at Warrington’s Kuckoo Rock ‘n’ Roll Cocktail Bar is preparing to tantalise local taste buds as the The Diageo World Class GB Cocktail Festival returns this April, offering two weeks of expertly crafted, limited-edition cocktail menus designed to showcase the exceptional talent of Britain’s top bartenders who have been named within the Top 100 finalists of Diageo World Class 2025.
The World Class GB Cocktail Festival 2025 runs from 14th to 27th April, at Kuckoo Warrington, where Ryan will serve up a bespoke menu of three limited edition cocktails, featuring Don Julio tequila, The Singleton Whisky or Seedlip.
Ryan’s Peso & Pound celebrates street food culture, mixing blackened corn inspired by Mexican Elotes with local juniper, and balancing the savoury notes with sweet Pedro Ximénez. This cocktail ties together the spirit of Mexico and Warrington, paying homage to street vendors and Don Julio’s legacy
“The talent on show across the country this year has been fantastic to see”, says Jo Last, Diageo GB’s Advocacy Manager. “It’s time to get out and show your local bars how much you love them! “We have passionate bartenders showcasing their unique talents in some of the best bars in Chester and Warrington. Let’s show them all some support.”
Only bars with one or more bartenders featuring in the Top 100 for Diageo’s World Class GB cocktail competition are part of the World Class Cocktail Festival. World Class GB cocktail competition is dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and celebrating the next generation of bartending talent in Great Britain. The festival not only highlights the skill and creativity of the Top 100 bartenders but also champions the bars they represent – encouraging cocktail enthusiasts in Chester and Warrington to explore and support their local venue.
Ryan is thrilled at making the top 100 and now has ambitions to make the top 10!
The full list of participating bars across the country can also be found here.
Recognised as the world’s premier cocktail competition, the Diageo World Class Competition is a global showcase of bartending excellence, celebrating creativity, hospitality, and cocktail culture. For more information, please visit https://www.thebar.com/en-gb/worldclasscocktailfestival and follow @thebargb on social media.
Check out the video below to see Ryan in action at Kuckoo.
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