A woman from Falmouth has been named in the top 10 UK bartenders in the World Class Great Britain competition.

Holly Bennetts is a drinks specialist at The Greenbank Hotel and has beaten thousands of talented entries, after taking on a number of challenges in the UK's biggest bartending competition.

The first round started in November (2022), with bartenders from across the UK submitting a maximum of two cocktails. Holly and 99 other bartenders were selected in the top 100 and were visited by world-class judges who provide mentoring and feedback.

After impressing the judge, during the visit, Holly was then put through to the semi-final with only 50 people remaining.

The semi-final took place in Birch, back in April, and competitors were given a spirit and a challenge to complete. Using either tequila or gin the bartenders had to create a drink that told a story, with only five additional ingredients allowed.

Holly mixed up a drink that dazzled the judges and she was selected for the final that took place in the Johnnie Walker building in Edinburgh.

Holly's semi-final Swede Dreams cocktail with a mango garnish. (Image: sarabaxterphotography)

The final 10 mixologists headed to the final in June and took on a number of challenges that showed off their skills. Although Holly did not win the final, being named in the top 10 is a huge achievement, especially in such a prestigious competition.

When reflecting on her journey, Holly said: "Competing in World class has been an unforgettable experience. Seeing the passion, spirit, and dedication of top bartenders from across GB is inspiring and to get through to the final 10 has been an honour. World Class is not just a competition but a community. Thank you so much to everybody that made it possible.''

The Greenbank Hotel shared how happy they were for Holly, a spokesperson said: "We are over the moon for our talented group beverage specialist Holly Bennetts, for being named a top ten UK bartender in this year's World Class Great Britain Competition.

"Holly competed amongst the brightest stars in the UK's mixology scene up in Edinburgh, for her place in the top ten. We couldn't be prouder!

 "After a whirlwind few months, Holly has arrived back at The Greenbank after competing alongside the world's best bartenders at this year's World Class Great Britain.

"Whittling it down from 100s of competitors, Holly made it into the top ten bartenders in the country. Her '24 Degrees Of Smoke' cocktail featured flavours of caramelised apricot and smoked tea, which wowed the judges."

You can follow Holly's personal account to see some of her amazing creations. Click here: Holly Bennetts (@creative_mixology)