Blacklock creates the Negroni of the Year

The Negroni of the Year has officially been created by a bartender from restaurant group Blacklock.

George Pugsley's negroni, which he served up at the 2026 Classic Cocktail Competition, is called Soho After Dark. It was one of six classic cocktails he prepared for the judges at the annual shake-off. 

The restaurant industry was also skillfully represented by Bogdan Tripon of Giggling Squid, who created the Whiskey Sour of the Year. 

"It feels fantastic," says Pugsley. "I put a lot of effort in and was hoping to get at least at least one win, which I did. This is fantastic. 

"Soho After Dark is a negroni inspired by Soho culture, coffee, a bit of Italian heritage. It features coffee-infused King of Soho gin. I did a vermouth blend, which had sweet vermouth, honey aperitif, cynar, sour cherry liqueur and scarpa rosso. Campari is a must in a Negroni but I also added in a little bit of Toro Albala PX, a really sweet sherry, but more as a seasoning, just to bring all those of coffee and luscious honey flavors all together.  

"It was my first time competing. I've been in the industry for a long time, but it's not something that I do. Doing six cocktails in one go and creating six different drinks with given products is a challenge. But it was a great challenge."

Overall winner 

Selina Otremba of bar brand The Cocktail Club was named Bartender of the Year at the 2026 Classic Cocktail Competition.

Otremba, who works at the Reading site of the Nightcap-owned business, scored the most points across six rounds of classic cocktail making at the live final in London on 28 September. She also walked away with Myrlemon Spritz of the Year title. 

“I’m ecstatic,” says Otremba. “It’s obviously always exciting to win things, especially when the competition is so tough and there are so many people slinging out some incredible beverages. It’s honestly amazing. You learn so much watching the other people do their thing. It was a great day.”

Mudslide and Martini of the Year

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

A total of 14 hospitality businesses were represented at the final in London. The Mudslide of the Year and Rum Punch of the Year went to Rolland Varga from Be At One. 

Martini of the Year was won by Susi Olliff of Butcombe Group; Whiskey Sour of the Year was claimed by Giggling Squid’s Tripon; while Pugsley of Blacklock Restaurant Group scooped the Negroni of the Year title.

Whiskey Sour and Negroni of the Year

“I’ve done quite a few competitions, featuring all sorts of different drinks, but I’ve never done a comp like this before,” adds Otremba. This is the first time I’ve done something with a structure like this, which for me really helped. It took the nerves away, as it wasn’t a room of quiet people just staring at you. Everyone got to chat with the judges, there is so much happening all the time, but you’re still the focus. It feels like a big room full of community.”

At the live final on 28 September, the bar industry was represented by the likes of Drake & Morgan, Arc Inspirations and Be At One. They were 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. 

Rum Punch and Myrlemon Spritz of the Year

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 Cocktail Club

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