Hamish Smith

Jake Burger: How to name a cocktail

A cocktail's name can be instrumental to its success. Who better than pioneer of cocktail puns Jake Burger to guide us through the nomenclature?

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24 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

The best-scoring products at the BBAs 2025

Of all the products entered into the Bartenders' Brand Awards 2025, these were the top five-scoring products?

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17 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

Katie Rouse on why bartenders shouldn't gatekeep their creativity

Couch owner Katie Rouse urges bartenders to share their creative processes for the good of the whole community.

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17 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

Business rates reform moves a step closer

New legislation enabling an overhaul of the business rates system, has been heralded as a "landmark moment" by UKHospitality.

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17 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

Five UK bars receive Pins in Pinnacle Guide's latest list

The Pinnacle Guide - the global 1, 2 and 3 Pin recognition system for cocktail bars - has announced the latest additions to its list, now taking the total to 85 pinned bars around the world.

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16 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

The top mixers and softs from the BBAs 2025

Today's Bartenders' Brand Awards instalment sees our Mixers & Softs products go under the microscope.

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15 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

The pick of the liqueurs from the BBAs 2025

In today's instalment of the Bartenders' Brand Awards is the results of the liqueurs session.

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10 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

The standout rums from the BBAs

Today we turn our attention to the rum brands that scored best in the Bartenders' Brand Awards.

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09 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

Q&A: Aidy Smith on Inclusivity Mentorship & Incubator Program, Drinklusive

Hamish Smith chats to Aidy Smith of The Three Drinkers about his Inclusivity Mentorship & Incubator Program, Drinklusive.

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08 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

UK licensing to be relaxed amid new review

The Government has announced plans to improve the licensing system, with the aim of cutting red tape and boosting hospitality’s competitiveness.

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04 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

Industry census survey nears deadline

The Data Census Survey - aimed at understanding the make up of the global drinks industry - is nearing its deadline, with the poll closing this Friday.

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02 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

Comment: Why celebrity endorsement is the lowest form of marketing

To Hamish Smith, nothing falls flatter than the patter of a celebrity selling a brand. If there is endorsement, let it be from bartenders, he says.

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03 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

The pick of the scotch whiskies from the BBAs 2025

Today we turn our attention to the best-performing scotch whiskies in the Bartenders' Brand Awards 2025.

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03 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

Giorgio Bargiani launches Nude glassware range

Giorgio Bargiani, assistant director of mixology at Connaught Bar, has launched a glassware range in partnership with Nude.

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02 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

The best performing American Whiskeys in the BBAs

Next up in our serialisation of the Bartenders' Brand Awards results is American Whiskey.

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01 April, 2025

Hamish Smith

The top-rated cognacs from the BBAs 2025

Here we take a look at our panel's favourite cognacs.

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27 March, 2025

Hamish Smith

CLASS Bar Awards 2025 finalists revealed

CLASS is delighted to announce the finalists of the CLASS Bar Awards, ahead of the 2025 ceremony at Battersea Arts Centre in London on May 21st.

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26 March, 2025

Hamish Smith

Which vodkas did best at the BBAs 2025?

The Bartenders' Brand Awards covers all of the major cateogories and in this edition of our highlights we narrow in on vodka.

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26 March, 2025

Hamish Smith

Dalston Mexican restaurant Corrochio's launches agave bar

Daniel Corrochio and Amy McQuarrie of Corrochio's have launched a subterranean agave bar called Cinco.

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21 March, 2025

Hamish Smith

Nottingham’s 400 Rabbits to open new city centre venue

JRA Bars, the owners of Nottingham’s tequila and cocktail den 400 Rabbits and Café Bar & Bistro Le Petit Vert in Farnsfield, is to open new city centre venue, Loose Ends.

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21 March, 2025

Hamish Smith

How the BBAs works

Hamish Smith talks us through the three-pronged assessment of the Bartenders’ Brand Awards.

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20 March, 2025

Hamish Smith

The Bartenders' Brand Awards 2025 results go live

The results of the Bartenders' Brand Awards 2025 - CLASS magazine's drinks competition, which is judged by bartenders for bartenders - are now live on the Awards' dedicated website.

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20 March, 2025

Hamish Smith

Review: Bloodsports - a sports bar with a sideline in blood, guts and cocktails

Hamish Smith waves the flag for sports bars at Meatliquor’s new Bloodsports.

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20 March, 2025

Hamish Smith

The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 location and date announced

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, will take place at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong on 8 October.

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20 March, 2025

Hamish Smith

Flying the flag - why Lab 22 is now a showcase of Wales

Lab 22 is not only the best-known bar in Wales, its fame has spread far and wide. And with its focus on regional sourcing, it has become a community hub. Hamish Smith sits down at the bar of this forward-thinking venue.

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17 March, 2025