Nick Collier, bar supervisor at Brighton Rocks, has taken Master of Malt's inaugural Clubman Trophy, after receiving several nominations.
Master of Malt Trade, the industry led wholesaler, launched The Clubman Trophy in March as their way to recognise those who might be overlooked in the hospitality industry.
“We wanted to celebrate and thank those quiet heroes who keep the wheels turning in businesses; to give a platform to those who are in the background and won't usually get any type of recognition other than a pat on the back at the end of a shift,” explained Liam Belton, Trade Lead at Master of Malt Trade.
“We have been bowled-over by the number of nominations from both the on and off-trade across the UK, as well as by the passionate comments made by their colleagues; the spirit of what we hoped to recognise has been truly embodied,” Belton added.
The shortlist selection committee was made up of Liam Belton, our Trade Lead, Adrian Lugg, Head of Marketing, Melita Kiely, Editor of Spirits Business and Stephen Russell, the MD of the Copper Rivet Distillery in Kent. The winner was then chosen by the Master of Malt Trade sales team.
Nick Collier, who has been at Brighton Rocks for 7 years, was nominated by two different colleagues who described him as: “the hardest working member of staff we have ever had… From not having any cocktail experience, he has learnt so well and now produces excellent quality drinks consistently and received many great reviews. We can't think of anyone better suited to such an award and would be richly deserved. From making top quality cocktails to clearing out drains, Nick really is the absolute definition of an unsung hero and we couldn’t do our job without him.”
The nominations were so strong that the judging team decided to create a highly commended award as well, with runners-up including Jack Taylor (The Great British Beer Co), Tina Kelly (Be At One Liverpool), Andy McPhate (Stenhousemuir Football Club) and Vicky Ilankovan (Equal Measures) amongst others.
Master of Malt Trade partnered with Kent’s Copper Rivet Distillery to give the winner an unforgettable experience: an all expenses paid trip to blend their own whisky, dinner at the picturesque Pumproom restaurant and an overnight stay for two.
Copper Rivet is located at the heart of Chatham’s Historic Naval Dockyard, Copper Rivet Distillery is a family-founded business which has been creating only the finest gin, vodka, whisky and liqueurs since its opening in 2016. Situated inside the Grade II listed Pumphouse No5, the distillery’s innovation reflects that of the local craftsmen who once built world-class ships there.