Mother Mercy Bartender James Brown Named Rising Star Finalist in UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2026
Newcastle bartender James Brown, who serves at Mother Mercy in the city’s historic Cloth Market, has been shortlisted for Rising Star in the prestigious Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2026 awards.
James earned his place on the shortlist with a competition cocktail titled Renaissance, created specifically for the Rising Star finals. The drink showcases a refined, modern flavour profile combining Ford’s Gin, forced rhubarb cordial, hibiscus and wild strawberry aperitif soda, and almond. Designed to celebrate rebirth through technique, Renaissance is rooted in craft, balance and restraint, resulting in a layered, quietly confident serve.
Developed while working behind the bar at Mother Mercy Cloth Market, Renaissance draws inspiration from Vincent van Gogh’s belief that meaningful work is built through commitment to craft — showing up, repeating the fundamentals, and refining until the feeling is right. The cocktail reflects Mother Mercy’s signature approach: considered flavours, strong foundations and no unnecessary theatrics — a style that has helped define the venue’s reputation and continues to resonate on a national stage.
James’ individual recognition comes as Mother Mercy Cloth Market continues to build national momentum. The bar is currently listed in the UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars — the second time it has earned the accolade— reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s leading independent cocktail bars and a consistent producer of top-tier bartending talent.
The Rising Star shortlist also builds on James’ growing profile within the industry. In 2025, he was named among the World Class Great Britain Top 100 Bartenders, becoming the second bartender from Mother Mercy to achieve the distinction.
James Brown said: “Being recognised at this level feels surreal, but I hope deserved. Everything I’ve done has been shaped by craft, care and consistency rather than chasing moments. Mother Mercy gives me the freedom to explore ideas properly — to test, fail, refine and play. That balance is what allows creativity to really mean something.”
Neil Donachie, co-founder of Mother Mercy, added: “James’ shortlisting is a natural extension of what we do at Cloth Market. Being recognised nationally — while currently holding our second UK Top 50 listing — speaks to the strength of the team and the culture we’ve built behind the bar.”
Renaissance will be poured at Mother Mercy later this year, with dates to be confirmed following the awards finals in February. For James, the recognition marks the beginning of the next chapter — developing partnerships, experiences and creative projects that continue to raise the bar for hospitality in the North East and inspire the next generation of bartenders.
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the UK hospitality industry, with winners announced on Tuesday 10 February 2026 at The Underglobe, London.
