Rockland and SLHGA host fifth annual Bar Champs

Thursday, 17 July 2025 00:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Rockland Group Head of Spirits Manoj Rasiah, SLHGA President Patrick Pereira, and Hotel Show Chairman Trevin Gomez

Over 180 aspiring bartenders trained through countrywide workshops
Regional rounds across six key cities conclude successfully
Grand finale on 30 July at Hotel Show Colombo

The Rockland Group, a pioneer in the beverage industry, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA), has announced the final stage of the fifth annual Bar Champs competition.

Held as a featured event at the Hotel Show Colombo, the highly anticipated finale on 30 July will bring together Sri Lanka’s most promising bartenders for a vibrant showcase of skill, creativity, and innovation.

This year, Bar Champs 2025 trained over 180 aspiring bartenders from across the island through a comprehensive four-day workshop series, designed to elevate their craft with world-class instruction in mixology, bar technique, and beverage knowledge. The workshops were followed by regional competitions held in six key cities, where contestants demonstrated their expertise under the mentorship of industry experts.

From these regional rounds, 60 talented bartenders qualified to compete in the semi-finals and go on to compete in the grand finale, where they will battle it out for the coveted Bar Champs 2025 title.

Rockland Group Head of Spirits Manoj Rasiah said: “At Rockland, we believe in nurturing talent for the local beverage industry. Our continued partnership with Bar Champs is rooted in our commitment to developing the next generation of Sri Lankan bartenders. These events are vital—not just for showcasing creativity, but for shaping a more professional, dynamic, and globally competitive industry.”

SLHGA President Patrick Pereira said: “Bar Champs is more than a competition—it’s a platform to educate, inspire, and empower. Partnering with Rockland allows us to deliver meaningful, career-building opportunities to young professionals who are shaping the future of hospitality in Sri Lanka.”

Hotel Show Chairman Trevin Gomez said: “Bar Champs adds a unique and exciting dimension to the Hotel Show Colombo. This collaboration between Rockland and the SLHGA is a brilliant example of how the industry can come together to uplift talent, drive standards, and create real opportunities for growth.”

Now in its fifth year, Bar Champs continues to gain momentum as a premier platform for bartending excellence in Sri Lanka—spotlighting emerging talent, fostering community, and celebrating the ever-evolving world of mixology.

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