Bancone and Blacklock make cocktail finals

The Classic Cocktail Competition has revealed its finalists for the 2026 shake-off, with a stellar collection of pub, restaurant and hotel brands leading the impressive line-up.

At the live final on 28 September, the bar industry will be represented by the likes of Drake & Morgan, Arc Inspirations, The Alchemist and Be At One. They will be up against pub operators such as Heartwood Inns and Butcombe Group, as well as restaurant brands including Blacklock, Caravan and Bancone. The full list of finalists can be found below. 

Returning for its fourth year and once again headline sponsored by JBE Imports, the Classic Cocktail Competition challenges bartenders to make six different classic cocktails each, all served in their own signature style during strictly timed heats.  

A total of 15 hospitality businesses will be represented at the final in London, where mixologists will be battling it out to make the Mudslide of the Year, Martini of the Year, Whiskey Sour of the Year, Negroni of the Year, Rum Punch of the Year and Spritz of the Year. The bartender with the most points across each round will then be named Bartender of the Year.

For 2026, the event is returning to The Refinery at Regent’s Place, where the winners will be announced at a reception held immediately after the daytime competition. 

To register your interest in attending the final, please visit the Classic Cocktail Competition website.

The 2026 Classic Cocktail Competition finalists

• Arc Inspirations
• Bancone
• Be At One 
• Blacklock Restaurant Group
• Butcombe Group
• Caravan
• Cosy Club
• Drake & Morgan
• Giggling Squid
• Heartwood Collection
• Hickory's Smokehouse
• Hotel Gotham 
• Red Engine
• The Alchemist
• The Cocktail Club

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