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Milestone barman Ercolano wins Galvin Cup
04/06/2008
It was cocktail shakers at dawn and the Yippee Yippe Shake on 3rd June when bar professionals from five-star hotels and style bars across the UK gathered at London's Grosvenor House Hotel for the Annual Galvin Cup competition.
First prize in this prestigious competition, which has already become a fixture on the UK hospitality calendar, went to Marco Ercolano, resident barman at Stables' Bar at London's Milestone Hotel.
Now in its second year, this annual event (created by restaurateurs Chris and Jeff Galvin of Galvin Bistro de Luxe and Galvin at Windows) is divided into two categories - hospitality students from Europe and beyond and bar employed.
Marco beat 33 mixologists from across the UK and Europe to take the title. Valerio Arena, head barman at Galvin at Windows and Mirko Falconi from the Lanesborough, were second and third respectively. Lucy Child from London's Westminster Kingsway College won the students' title. Judging the competition were Silvano Giraldin, famed maître d'hôtel at Le Gavroche; drinks broadcaster and writer Nigel Barden; and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon general manager, Yann Chevris.
Under the rules of the competition, Marco had to make a classic Champagne Cocktail (using Piper Heidsieck, the competition's co-sponsor), followed by a freestyle Creative Cocktail using Rémy Martin VSOP. His prize included a Champagne dinner for two at Galvin at Windows; a trip to Cognac and the Champagne region; and £1000.
To taste Marco's winning cocktails for yourself, come to Stables' Bar at The Milestone, open between 10 am and 1am daily.
The Milestone is a five-star boutique hotel situated opposite Kensington Palace. Its 63 individually designed luxury guest rooms and suites exude refined good taste and also include state-of-the-art in-room technology. The hotel is the recipient of numerous awards, including Travel & Leisure's The World's Best Service Award, 2008.
For more information and reservations call The Milestone Hotel directly at +44 (0) 20 7917 1000. Email bookms@rchmail.com and www.milestonehotel.com.
- Ranked No. 1 in the World for Service in Travel and Leisure's "The World's Best Service Reader Survey, 2008"
- Voted No.1 British Hotel, Condé Nast Traveler Gold List World's Best Hotels 2008
- Voted No.1 Hotel in England in Travel and Leisure's "The World's Best 500 Hotels, 2008"
