London bartenders to battle it out in inaugural Quo Vadis Soho Negroni Championship

Created by Soho-based restaurant and members’ club Quo Vadis and London restaurant Pidgin, the contest is set to take place on 5 October at 7.30pm in Quo Vadis itself – specifically in the new second floor ‘blue bar’ ‒ after the site re-opened following a revamp that included installing a branch of tapas bar Barrafina on the ground floor (the relocated, former Frith Street venue).

Bartenders will take part from London sites The Manor, Sardine, St. John, Clove Club, Polpo, Rules, the Ritz, Merchants Tavern, Bar Termini, Hix, Smoking Goat, and Bernardi’s.

Entrants will be asked to make two perfect Negroni’s, as well as mini ones for each guest. The winner will receive a three-litre bottle of Campari, one of the classic drink’s major ingredients.

The judging panel is set to include editor of the Observer Food Monthly Allan Jenkins; food and drink writer Kay Plunkett-Hogge; food and drink writer and former restaurants reviewer for The Independent, Christopher Hirst; and Hilary Penn, holder of the keys to licensed Soho pub venue The French House.

Quo Vadis members and non-members will be able to attend the event, with tickets priced at £35. As well as the Negronis, there will also be snacks created by head chef Jeremy Lee.