Meetings Blog Jul 11, 2017
With the goal of transforming fine drinking and cocktail culture around the world, Diageo Reserve’s World Class Club has become the biggest and most reputable cocktail competition, what they call “the ultimate test of bartending skill”. Winners of individual country finals go on to represent their nation in the world final and this year our NH Collection Gran Hotel Calderon in Barcelona welcomed Spain’s finalists.
Looking to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Adrianna Chia, the ten talented hopefuls arrived with their unique ideas to impress the experienced judges. And, after five hours of intense competition, involving three separate challenges, it was Malaga’s Ángel Arruñada who came away with the 2017 crown.
Of course, a World Class Club final would look out of place if it wasn’t held in a world-class location, and the NH Collection Gran Hotel Calderon fitted the bill perfectly. With 255 rooms and having gone through a refurbishment in 2016 – including the introduction of a spectacular 600-square-foot rotating LCD screen in the lobby – the hotel stepped up to a five star grading. It also boasts a rooftop terrace, with 360-degree panoramic views of the stunning capital of Catalonia, swimming pool and solarium. But the standout feature for the purposes of this event was the newly-completed Eleven BCN Bar, the first World Class by Diageo embassy in Europe, putting the contestants, judges and guests in very appropriate surroundings.
Congratulations to all those involved and, in particular, to Ángel who we wish lots of luck for the world final in Mexico. We hope to welcome the World Class Club team back through our NH Hotel Group doors again soon.
