A BARMAN from Sale has made it through to the grand finals of a national cocktail making competition.

Dave Brolly from the town’s T.G.I. Friday’s is through to the company’s 2011 Bartender Championships having fought off stiff competition from across the country.

Bartenders from all corners of the UK battled it out to secure one of just seven places in the final, and Dave impressed the judges with his cocktail knowledge, mixing, flairing and overall entertaining skills. Bartenders were also judged on elements including showmanship, innovation, drink quality, presentation - and of course taste.

Dave said: “I am so excited to have made it through to the UK grand final, and it’s great also to be now in with the chance of winning the crown and representing the UK in the European, or even the World Bartender Championships.

“To have been recognised as one of the best in the business is a huge achievement and I can’t wait to get to London to compete in the UK final.”

Dave now goes on to the UK grand final at the O2 Indigo, London on October 18. If he wins, he will go on to represent the UK at the T.G.I. Friday’s European Bartender Championship in Cyprus on November 9. The European winner will then move on the World Bartender Championships in the US next year.