IWSC Emerging Talent Awards: A voice for change in the bartending world

We are pleased to announce that Martha May Markham is the recipient of the 2025 IWSC Emerging Talent in Bartending Award. The judges selected Martha because they were impressed with her work to create inclusive working environments especially highlighting people suffering from chronic illness and pain, and for the effort and creativity seen in her video entry.

Judge Shannon Tebay said “I thought her the video was utterly charming. It felt like I was sitting in front of the bar and she was joking with me, like, very sincere in that way. Her application made her feelings clear and direct about trying to create the same sustainable work options for people with chronic injuries and chronic pain, or really just anyone.”

Passion, Purpose and People
Martha May Markham’s journey into bartending is driven by a deep love of people and hospitality. From her early days at a theatre café to her current role at Swift Soho, she has consistently pursued environments where teamwork, pride, and personal connection take centre stage. What sets Martha apart is her belief that caring deeply about one's craft is not only acceptable but essential. Inspired initially by a manager who showed her the value of passion in hospitality, she channels that ethos into every drink she serves.

Martha’s content and approach stand out because of her dedication to the guest experience and her passion for fostering community within her teams. She thrives on the unpredictability of her work, no two days are the same, and finds fulfilment in training new staff, encouraging pride and adaptability. Her genuine joy in seeing others succeed reflects a strong commitment to nurturing future talent.

Achievements, Advocacy and Ambition
A significant highlight of Martha’s career was winning both the UK and Global No.3 Unrivalled Classics competition, where she became the first UK and first female global winner. Far from basking solely in her success, Martha has used this platform to inspire more women to enter competitions, promoting perseverance and confidence over mere accolades.

Her content is distinctive not just because of her achievements but due to her vocal advocacy for inclusivity and physical wellbeing in hospitality. Having managed chronic back pain herself, she has actively influenced workplace adjustments at Swift and promotes open discussions about physical health in the wider industry. She sees kindness and dialogue as catalysts for tangible change, from better bar designs to improved working conditions.

Martha’s purpose is clear: to grow, learn, and uplift others. She plans to use the IWSC travel bursary to deepen her understanding of wines and spirits by learning directly from producers in Champagne, Spain, and Portugal. Her vision is to bring back knowledge that can elevate her team and guests alike, proof that for Martha, bartending is as much about human connection as it is about perfect serves.

The IWSC Emerging Talent in Bartending Award is supported by William Grant & Sons.