The owner of Kendal's only 'speakeasy' bar has spoken of his delight as reaching the final of a national cocktail competition.

The achievement of Simon Thomas, owner and shakermaker at The Blind Bus Driver in Kendal, is made all the more remarkable given that his sense of taste and smell were hampered by Covid whilst coming up with the unique recipe. 

He will be travelling to London next week to take part as one of 8 finalists from around the country.

Upon receiving the news, he said:

"Amazed and absolutely delighted to say that my drink 'When a Tree Falls in the Forest' has got through to the final of the UK Bartenders Guild JSS Honkaku Shochu competition.

The Westmorland Gazette: SHOWMAN: Simon behind his bar, and his brand new cocktail (inset)SHOWMAN: Simon behind his bar, and his brand new cocktail (inset)

"It is a savoury cocktail which draws on the umami forest flavours of the Okinawa national spirit, Awamori, which is made using black Koji to give it a very distinct flavour profile.

"Awamori is a multi-faceted drink, with no real close relatives from other countries.

"It reminds me a little of some homespun eau de vie, a little of Icelandic Brennivin or Scandinavian Akvavit, but it is very different in character and flavour.

"I have mixed it with some porcini-infused Riesling wine and grapefruit juice and a few drops of cocktail bitters. I really like this one. It’s very different to anything you have tried before. In a good way."

Read more about Simon's experience creating the cocktail here.