Langham barman makes best Bloody Mary

Roman Foltan from The Langham Hotel in London makes Britain’s best Classic Bloody Mary, according to judges.

Foltan (left) beat 12 barmen in this year’s Tabasco British Bloody Mary Challenge last week to be selected as the UK’s leader by food writers Charles Campion and Tom Parker Bowles, mixologist Nick Strangeway and chef Mark Hix.

Meanwhile, Robin Webb (below right) from 64^th and Social in Clapham walked away with the prize for best Alternative Bloody Mary

“The competition was extremely close”, said critic Campion. “We had lively debates over one or two as the standard was so high, but after revisiting all entries, these two had the edge.

“Roman’s balance of flavours was just perfect and Robin’s recipe and presentation were inspirational,” he added.

Both winners will celebrate their success with a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, the home of Tabasco Pepper Sauce.

Competitors included:

Christian Richards Ozzatti – Strategic Drinking Ltd, London

Chris Gale – Platform Bar, London Bridge, London

Ryan Osnowski – Hinds Head, Bray

Ian Goodman – Oxo Tower Bar, London

Jack Parsons – Mint Hotel, Birmingham

Lukasz Stafin – Pollen Street Social, London

Milan Mikus – Coworth Park, Dorchester Collection

Miriam Lorandova – Quo Vadis, London

Nicolas Vierne – The Orange, Public House & Hotel, London

Nuno Pires – Hawksmoor Spitalfields, London

Robin Webb – 64^th & Social, Clapham, London

Roman Foltan – Artesian Bar,The Langham Hotel