The last round of the Brighton Mix Off, before its Grand Finale on the first day of Brighton & Hove's Food & Drink Festival on Brighton Pier on September 1st, took place at a Madame Geisha's. Gaily bedecked with beach balls, buckets and spades and various inflatable toys to match the "I love Brighton" theme, the event was sponsored by Grand Marnier, and inspired a wide range of interpretations in Grand Marnier based cocktail form. There was fierce competition for the last place in next Thursday's final.
Local judges Andrew Kay [Latest Magazine], Madame Geisha's Jan and Mixology Group's Zoe Cunliffe were joined by Grand Marnier Brand Ambassador Julien Lafond for the tricky task of judging this round. There was a fair bit of amusing visual theatre in the presentations, enthusiasm which sadly in places was not quite matched by the quality of the resulting Cocktails! But it was a fun event, and Julien Lafond added a surprise prize for the winner of a trip to the Grand Marnier Estates in France, much to the delight Hotel Seattle's Polish Pete. His "Brighton Trifle" won first place, with Sam Sidgwick from Above Audio coming a close second and Madam Geisha's Alex taking third place.
The other contestants were Emma Fearnley [MyHotel] , Thomaz German [Madam Geisha}, Ehren Khoo-Steel [Caprichios], and Florian Quillere [Above Audio].
The final promises to be even more fun - if thats possible - than some of the qualifying rounds as we all dress in our best tuxes, tails and frocks to party on Brighton Pier. Join us and vote for your favourite bartender as four of Brighton’s finest bartenders go head to head in a battle of charm, style and cocktails. Guests will be able to sample the various drinks on offer during the final.
7pm onwards in the Palm Court Restaurant, Brighton PierLimited advance tickets are available at £6 from HERE or are £8 on the doorFor more on Mixology Group fun go to
mixologygroup.co.ukPhotos and text ©Julia Claxton.
