Ollie George, 19, who works at the Linthwaite House Hotel, won the competition in a closely contested final. It was staged at the Merewood Country House Hotel and organised by the Lake District Hotels Association together with LWC Drinks.
The final following several months of cocktail-making classes and demonstrations. Seven bar staff reached the final: George Harris, from the Gilpin Hotel, Amin Khoramak from the Merewood, Jordan Millray from Storrs Hall, Akhil Mundekottukalam from Armathwaite Hall, George Taylor from Low Wood Bay, and Shane Mason from Appleby Manor, along with Ollie.
Each produced their own individual creation Autumn in the Lakes cocktail. Akhill and George went through to the second round with Ollie, who was eventually declared the winner by Daniel Knight from LWC. His fellow judges were Nic Ponticakis also from LWC, and Claire Houghton-Wigley from Remy Cointreau.
Ollie's winning cocktail was made with pine shrub soda, brandy and pine shoot shrub. He won a two-night stay in Manchester to take in the cocktail scene in the capital of the north.
Originally from Cornwall, Ollie came to work in the Lakes earlier this year and now hopes to make a career in hospitality.
Daniel Knight, brands activation manager at LWC, said: “All three judges were extremely impressed by the standard put forward by the competitors. From the thought and passion that had clearly been put into the development of their cocktail creation, to the incredible quality of execution in presenting the final products, which would not be out of place in any high-end premium cocktail bar across the UK.
"Consumer demand continues to trend towards more premium choices in On-Trade alcohol consumption. The competitors clearly displayed an awareness of this and crafted something to mirror the quality and prestige of the Hotels and Resorts from which they came.
"The competition was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and the pride shown by the competitors, aswell as their respective management, had been very well earned.”
Chair of the association Ben Mayou, at his final event in that role, said that all of the entrants had dedicated time and effort to the task. "They all did their venues proud."
The new chair of the LDHA is is Michael Coletta, MD of Langdale Leisure Limited, with his vice chair Mike Vincent, GM at Langdale Chase.