IWSC Emerging Talent Awards: Michael Kinyanjui named as 2026 Bartending Winner

The IWSC is delighted to name Michael Kinyanjui as the winner of the 2026 Emerging Talent in Bartending Award, selected from a global pool of rising bartenders who are redefining modern hospitality. 

Based in Kenya, and currently working at Salty Squid Beach Bar & Restaurant, Michael impressed the judging panel with his grounded sense of identity, his commitment to elevating East African cocktail culture, and his clear ambition to build sustainable career pathways for bartenders across the region. 

This year’s judges - Claudia Carrozzi (Head of UKBG), Myles Cunliffe (Director, Mixology Group), Martha Markham (2025 IWSC Bartending Winner), and William Drew (MD A21) - praised the diversity and creativity of the entries. But Michael’s blend of cultural storytelling, leadership, and community impact set him apart. 

A bartender shaped by place, purpose and community 

Michael’s bartending journey began on the Kenyan coast, where he first saw how drinks, culture and storytelling could intersect. Starting as a barback, he built his craft through discipline and curiosity, eventually developing a style rooted in locality, sustainability and regional identity. 

His cocktails champion ingredients local to him such as baobab, tamarind, palm wine, coastal citrus and Kenyan spices, translating landscapes and traditions into flavour. But what resonated most with the judges was how he uses bartending as a tool for education.

‘What stands out with Michael is that he understands the challenges of the trade sustainability of careers, limited training pathways, lack of progression. He has quite a mature approach.’ - Claudia Carrozzi 

A leader emerging from within the bar community 

Alongside his creative work, Michael has become a mentor and organiser within his local bar scene. He has introduced structured prep systems, tasting practices and recipe documentation, raising standards and strengthening professional culture in his venue and beyond.

He also runs informal training sessions for younger bartenders, helping them build confidence, technique and ambition. Several have since entered competitions or taken on leadership roles. 

"The person with the biggest ability to give back to the community after this programme is finished is Michael… providing free or low cost training programmes for local bartenders is a huge giveback." - Myles Cunliffe 

"He has a focus on education and wants to use this award to uplift the next generation. His mission is clear, and his impact will be long lasting." - Will Drew 

Using the bursary to build future pathways 

Michael plans to use the £2,500 IWSC travel bursary to pursue advanced spirits education, sensory training and international bar exposure. His goal is to return to Kenya equipped to deliver free or low‑cost workshops for bartenders and hospitality students, sharing knowledge in: