HK announces Diageo World Class winner

James Barker of 208 Duecento Otto has been crowned 2016 Hong Kong & Macau Bartender of the Year, beating 47 other bartenders to compete in the Miami final.

James Barker will go on to compete in the Miami finals this September

Barker’s winning cocktail, First & Formosa uses sweet oolong tea, salted ginger syrup, fresh lime juice, soda and garnished with a pickled ginger granite.

It came first in the World Class final food pairing round as it was judged the best, twinned with Vicky Cheng of VEA’s Chinese ‘Bánh Mì’ of pig’s head, chicken liver mousse, whipped Iberico lardo, jalapeñoa and Chinese fried dough.

First & Formosa takes its name from a traditional Taiwanese breakfast, ‘youtiao’ and also recocgnises the island nation’s past as Taiwan was briefly known as the Republic of Formosa in 1895.

Barker will first head to Australia for a mentorship at top watering holes This Must be the Place in Sydney and Black Pearl in Melbourne before competing in the World Class global final in Miami from 23-30 September.

“It’s such an honour to be representing this amazing city in the Diageo World Class global finals,” he said.  “I couldn’t have got this far without the support of my talented staff at 208 Duecento Otto. Next stop Miami!”

Last year’s winner was Antonio Lai from Quinary who has since opened a new venture, VEA in Sheung Wan and created a new line of cocktails in collaboration with Nikka Whisky.