The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge have added yet another award to their ever straining awards cabinet.  Toby Heap, their youngest Bartender competed in The Ysabel Regina Fusion Competition held at Ysabel Regina Bodega in Jerez Spain. There were twelve finalists, three from each of the four countries taking part: the U.K, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Whilst representing the brand, the competition focused on the fusion of drinks and music. Bartenders were requested to design a drink which came under the following three categories: Jazz Pop, Jazz Rock, and Jazz Blues.

Toby was the winner of the Jazz Pop category creating a long drink, called ‘Love in Vain’ for which he was inspired by the song ‘Layla, Unplugged’ by Eric Clapton.

His winning drink recipe:
45 ml Ysabel Regina
30 ml Sauternes Wine
10 ml of Homemade Apricot Shrub
Rinsed with an infusion of Pedro Ximenez with oak and finished with 1724 Tonic Water.

Toby is now looking forward to his prize of a trip to New Orleans in July to attend Tales of The Cocktail, a much coveted industry cocktail festival, designed to indulge those who enjoy the culture and history of liqueur and spirits, whilst enjoying a well mixed drink.  Toby said:

“I am truly amazed and proud to have achieved victory at the Ysabel Regina Fusion competition held in Jerez. It could not have been done without the amazing support from family, friends and everyone from The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge”.

The team at The Edgbaston have also recently launched their latest menu with  the aid of Cindy and Roxanne (their lab quality centrifuge and distillation machines) , which aims to shed some light on the varied and often overlooked history that Birmingham has to offer. Just ask any of the team for a Trifle Bazaar for example and you’ll be amazed what facts you learn as it’s lovingly crafted and presented to you.