50 Best Bars The Blend Scholarship 2022
Welcome to the applications portal for the first-ever scholarship for aspiring bartenders launched by The World’s 50 Best Bars in collaboration with The Blend by Beam Suntory .
50 Best Bars The Blend Scholarship - Apply Now
What should I prepare for the application?
- Your general details
- A short written statement that describes your cocktail philosophy (maximum 250 words)
- A short written statement and a video talking about innovations, small or large, that you think would make a positive impact on the future of the bar industry (maximum 250 words and up to 60 seconds)
- What you think the 5 skills for a modern bartender are (5 keywords)
- A few photos of yourself behind the bar or making cocktails (3 to 5)
The prize
The lucky winner of the 2022 scholarship will be invited to complete two bar stages (internships) in some of the world’s most-renowned bars: the legendary Connaught Bar in London, named The World’s Best Bar in 2021 and 2020, and Katana Kitten in New York, which currently holds the No.10 position in The World’s 50 Best Bars.
After completing the stages, the scholar will then be hosted by The Blend by Beam Suntory for a unique educational experience in Madrid, Spain.
The internships will take place in the first half of 2023 and flights between the destinations will be included in the prize. The winner will also receive £500 per week in living expenses to enjoy the exciting host cities.
The winner of the 50 Best Bars The Blend Scholarship 2022 will be revealed at the live awards ceremony of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022, to which the three finalists will also be invited and hosted at the event.
Application window and requirements
Applications for the scholarship are open from 19th May to 30th June . The scholarship is open to bartenders across the world over the age of 21 and with under three years’ professional experience.
The theme of the 50 Best Bars The Blend Scholarship for 2022 is 'Future Positive' , encouraging bartending practices and attitudes that will have a positive impact on the planet. Bartenders will be rewarded for their low-waste or local approach to ingredients and push for greater diversity, better representation and balance within the workplace. Scholarship applicants will need to show a readiness to contribute to this outlook.
For tips, tricks, information and advice from the judges on crafting the perfect application, see The Blend’s website before the application window closes on 30th June .
The selection process
The scholarship recipient will be selected after a three-stage judging process:
Round One: Applicants will be asked to introduce themselves and share their vision of ‘Future Positive’ and what it means to them as a bartender in a short video, as well as answering some questions about their career to date. The 25 successful applicants from Round One will be informed in July 2022.
Round Two: The shortlisted candidates will design a drink, inspired by the ‘Future Positive’ theme, that heroes one local ingredient. The design must be accompanied by evidence of the research, development and creative process.
This stage will be judged by 50 Best Bars stalwarts including Vijay Mudaliar (Native and Analogue, Singapore), Ashish Sharma (The Surf Club, Miami), Jean Trinh (Alquimico, Cartagena), Kelsey Ramage (The Trash Collective, USA), Claire Sprouse (Hunky Dory, Brooklyn) and Luke Whearty (Byrdi, Melbourne). Five applicants will be selected to go through to Round Three.
Round Three: The five selected candidates will be invited for an interview with representatives from 50 Best, The Blend, Agostino Perrone of Connaught Bar and Masahiro Urushido of Katana Kitten.
Three finalists will be hosted at The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 ceremony, where the winner will be announced.
Click here to read the Terms and Conditions