Chef and food writer Gizzi Erskine with World Class Irish Bartender of the Year 2015, Anna Walsh

Cork native Anna Walsh from popular Dublin bar MVP was last night announced as the winner of the coveted title of World Class Irish Bartender of the Year 2015. The Irish final was held at No. 10 Ormond Quay in Dublin’s city centre, following an intense year-long competition.

Six finalists representing some of the top cocktail bars across the country were put to the test, challenged on all aspects of bartending and judged by some of the most revered names in the industry; Spike Marchant, Tom Jones and Max La Rocca. Chef and food writer Gizzi Erskine was also on hand to put the contestants through their paces and judge them on their creativity, their ability to balance flavours and their presentation skills. Walsh, the only female finalist, will now go on to represent Ireland at the World Class Global Final in South Africa in August.