A Spitalfields bartender beats 200 others to Be At One's top title

Angel Mir Candela from Be At One Spitalfields has been named the chain's Bartender of the Year 2026, Hospitality & Catering News reports.

How it worked - More than 200 bartenders entered, starting with heats in their own bars. - Regional rounds cut that to six finalists. - The final, at Be At One Regent Street, tested cocktail knowledge, pouring accuracy, speed, flair and how well they looked after guests. - New this year: a speed round in front of a live audience.

The prizes: Angel took £3,000 and the Most Knowledgeable Bartender award. Sav from Bath came second and Hooper from Lincoln third. Eve from Bath was Fastest Bartender and Nick from Greek Street won Best Pourer.

Why it matters if you work a bar: most of what got judged is what you do on a busy Friday: knowing your specs, pouring accurately, staying quick and still chatting to the guest. If your employer runs an internal competition, enter it. It is paid practice, people above you notice, and it looks good on your CV.

Try this on your next shift: pick three cocktails you make most and time yourself from ticket to serve. Then do it again without losing the chat.