Galvin Cup …

On 22nd May 2007 The London Hilton on Park Lane played host to the Galvin Cup, a mixology competition offering both professionals and non-professionals the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a live panel of judges including Graham Le Saux, the Mayor of Westminster and respected members of the industry, namely founder of Gorgeous Group, Robbie Bargh and Springboard CEO, Anne Pierce. 1st prize winner in the professional competition, Salvatore Maggio from The Cumberland Hotel fought off strong competition and was named 'Galvin Cup Barman of the Year' at the first ever contest which took place in the hotel's trendy Zeta Bar. His rival Renan Lejeune from Zeta Bar followed in a close 2nd place and 3rd prize was won by Manuel Soro from Salvatore at Fifty. The non-professional competition saw Maxime Croizer from High School Ferrandi in Paris triumph over his peers to take 1st place, closely followed by runners up Simone Brewster from Croydon College and Gregoire Longe from Lychee Hotelier de Souillac.

All contestants produced two cocktails to secure their victory: a classic Martini, using one of the Diageo reserve products - Tanqueray, Tanqueray 10 or Gordon's; and a cocktail of their own creation. Salvatore's own creation was a unique Trinacria, this along with his classic creation secured him £1000 of prize money and two nights at the Hilton Paris Arc de Triomphe.

This fantastic which was a huge success is the brainchild of Galvin at Windows chef patron, Chris Galvin and general manager, Fred Sirieix who won the best front of house award at the Tatler Restaurant Awards this year. They felt it was about time that bar staff received a bit of recognition for their efforts and a chance to shine as chefs do.

The professionals were recruited from the West End's top hotels and restaurants and will whilst the non-professionals came from catering colleges from all over Europe.