Just when we thought the cocktail scene in Ireland couldn’t get any better at the moment, along comes the World Class Cocktail Festival, a highlight of which are three incredible bartender takeover events in Dublin and Cork.

As part of these takeover events (which are free to attend on a first-come, first-served basis), Shingo Sasaki, General Manager of Shanghai’s Sober Company (previously ranked among the World’s Top 50 Bars and crowned No. 1 in mainland China) will takeover The Sackvillle Lounge on April 22nd in Dublin from 8pm-11pm and Impala in Cork on April 25th from 6pm-8pm.

Sasaki will showcase the innovative concepts and Japanese-inspired creativity that have made Sober Company a global sensation

You’ll get to experience the award-winning service and innovative flavours of China in the glamourous setting of newly opened Sackville Lounge, whilst in Impala there will be a special evening of vinyl records and expertly crafted hi-ball cocktails. Sasaki will be teaming up with luxury spirits ambassador and World Class winner Carl d’Alton.

The third event will take place at Cask in Cork on April 27th, where the team will welcome current Global Bartender of the Year, Keegan McGregor (from Nova Scotia, Canada!), alongside current Irish Bartender of the Year, Emily Doherty (Bar Manager at The Merchant Cocktail Bar, Belfast).

From 7-9pm, this iconic duo will create delicious cocktails, highlighting the skills and serves that crowned them World Class champions, using premium spirits like Tanqueray No.TEN, Ketel One, and Roe & Co. And the best part? These world-class drinks are just €10.

From April 21st to 27th, the World Class Cocktail Festival is transforming up to fifty venues across Ireland into havens of cocktail artistry

Each participating bar will offer a bespoke World Class menu, meticulously crafted by 2021 Irish Bartender of the Year, Cal Byrne.

Cal’s inspiration was simple: “to share the World Class experience with everyone, showcasing the quality of the spirits through classic cocktail styles.”

Explore participating venues like 9 Below Bar, The Watson Belfast, Cask, Paladar, Lock 13 Brew Pub, 37 Dawson Street, House Dublin, The Hill pub, Hyde Galway, and The Merchant Belfast, The Raven Cork, and Hilliard’s Killarney.

The week culminates on April 28th with the highly anticipated World Class Ireland Final, taking place in Cork.