IWSC Emerging Talent in Bartending Award 2026 Shortlist Announced

The IWSC is delighted to reveal the shortlist for the Emerging Talent in Bartending Award 2026, celebrating rising stars, dedicated to shaping the future of global bartending through creativity, leadership and inclusivity. 

This year’s judging panel comprises Head of UKBG, Claudia Carrozi, Director of Mixology Group, Myles Cunliffe, the IWSC Emerging Talent in Bartending 2025 winner, Martha May Markham, and Managing Director of A21 UK, Will Drew. 

Across the board, judges highlighted a shared thread: a new generation of bartenders who are thinking not only about flavour, but about sustainability, community impact, and the long-term health of the industry. As Myles noted, ‘One of the underlying trends this year was a focus on sustainability, not just in ingredients, but in mindset and career longevity.’ 

‘Being a bartender today is about people, the team, the environment, the guest — not just the cocktail. The strongest candidates showed maturity, purpose and a desire to give back.’ - Claudia Carrozi. 

See the 2026 shortlist below. 

2026 Shortlist 

Michael Kinyanjui: Salty Squid Beach Bar & Restaurant (Kenya) 

Michael’s application stood out for his commitment to uplifting the next generation of East African bartenders. His work blends creativity with deep regional storytelling, using local ingredients such as baobab, tamarind and coastal citrus to express Kenyan landscapes through flavour. Whilst on the floor he regularly mentors young bartenders through structured training sessions. 

Judges admired his maturity and vision. Will highlighted his ‘focus on education and community impact,’ while Claudia praised his understanding of the industry’s challenges: ‘He recognises the need for sustainable careers, not just sustainable cocktails.’ 

Michael’s long-term ambition is to build stronger education pathways across East Africa and amplify African cocktail culture on the global stage. 

Meg de Bell: The Swine Bistro, Leeds (UK) 

Meg impressed the judges with her energy, personality and thoughtful approach to modern bartending. Her application showcased a bartender who is not only technically skilled but deeply invested in creating safer, more inclusive and more sustainable bar environments. 

Martha described Meg as ‘completely on the right track, full of personality, with a clear sense of purpose,’ while Myles praised her leadership and advocacy for mental health and team wellbeing. 

Her achievements included working alongside Australia’s Sorry Not Sorry collective and winning the Dutch Barn Vodka cocktail competition. Alongside this, Meg continues to champion non-alcoholic drinks in a bid to make hospitality venues as engaging and accessible as possible. 

Damien Murgatroyd: The Bling Pig, Jersey 

Damien’s passion for his local bar scene and his thoughtful video submission made a strong impression on the judges. His dedication to representing Jersey’s identity through flavour and hospitality was described by Martha as ‘really lovely. You can feel how much he cares about his local culture,’ and also left a marked impact on the rest of the judges. 

Recently he has been involved in the expansion of The Blind Pig and has led a travel-inspired cocktail menu that takes its cues from the different cultures and flavours from around the world. Aside from adopting a creative approach to cocktail menus, Damien’s hard work has won him both achievements and career recognition, seeing him take part in the final of the 2025 UKBG Moutai Expedition. 

What next? 

The IWSC Emerging Talent in Bartending 2026 winner will be announced on 16 April. Keep an eye on our socials to stay updated.