Tony the Tiger - Top Barman Wins National Award

THE chief barman at Newcastle’s newest cocktail bar has roared to success in a national competition. Tony Pearman, who leads the nine-strong team of mixologists at Tiger Hornsby, Close, Quayside, wowed judges at Pinky Vodka’s Bartender Competition with his specially created tipple, The Bridget Jones. The pink-coloured, vodka-based cocktail takes its name from the fictional character portrayed on film by Renee Zellweger and was served to guests at the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards held in London this month (October). “The cocktail is a love triangle between sloe, juniper and basil,” said 28-year-old Tony, who has enjoyed 11 competition successes in just 18 months, “which put me in mind of Bridget with Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver. “I took those three ingredients and added fresh juniper, sugar, lemon, cranberry and egg white – like Bridget, it’s fun, it’s a bit cheeky and it’s totally lovable.” The Bridget Jones will be on the menu at Tiger Hornsby at the special price of £4.50 between 5pm and 7pm Thursdays and between 3pm and 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar, which is named after one of Tyneside’s most glamorous ‘It’ girls, is also inviting female customers to enter a prize draw to win a specially created cocktail of their own. Not only will their bespoke cocktail be named after them but they will be able to enjoy it free of charge at Tiger Hornsby throughout December. Entries close on 31 November. “We’re looking for the North East’s answer to Bridget Jones,” said Tiger Hornsby owner Rachael Frame. “Someone who works hard and likes to let her hair down with friends after work – big pants, however, are optional.” Tiger Hornsby is open on Thursdays from 5pm to 2am and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 3pm to 3am and admission is free. For further information email [email protected] or visit www.tigerhornsby.co.uk.