Birstall TGI Fridays bartender narrowly misses out on UK title

With a chance to represent the country on a world stage at stake, Thomas Duffy delivered an extraordinary six-minute routine, full of intensity and passion in front of a panel of six specialist judges.

The judges assessed his overall service, the taste of his cocktails as well as his signature flair moves and techniques.

A bartender at TGIs for over ten years he wowed the crowd with some scintillating signature moves including a multitude of stall moves, balancing acts and launching glasses and bottles over his shoulder and catching them behind his head.

Every move was greeted with a cheer as Thomas delivered his routine in front of his colleagues who travelled down from Yorkshire to the capital to support him.

The northern charm and tricks left the crowd and judges in awe as he came in at second place on the night taking home an incredible £1,000.

Speaking about the journey and how it felt to come second, Thomas said: “It’s amazing, this is my first time competing the in UK Bartender Challenge final and it gives me so much pride to see all my hard work pay off.

"The journey itself has been intense but it’s been incredible to share the journey with my fellow bartenders. We’re all a big family here and the support I have received for the competition is something I will never forget.”