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Cocktail bartender and bar owner Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan) has won numerous awards, including several years as the holder of World’s Best Bar. Here he brings his characteristic take on trends and innovation to this exploration of how cultural movements and moments in popular culture shape fashions and prejudices around the latest trends in spirits, cocktails and socialising. 

From classic whisky cocktails, via Mad Men and the rise of Japanese whisky; to celebrity culture’s fascination with mezcal; through to the rise of non-alcoholic spirits and alcopops: what has influenced what we drink, and where is it likely to go next? 

Taste along as Ryan is joined by drinks leading industry experts Claire Warner Smith, Dawn Davies and Tristan Stephenson to discuss the zeitgeist and shifts in some of our most popular drinking habits.  

Included in Food Season Big Weekend Sunday or Weekend tickets, or available to book as a single session. Discounts available for over 60s and BL Members and half-price tickets for students and under 26s  

Food Season Big Weekend Day or Weekend Pass holders please note that entry to this event will be subject to venue capacity and early arrival is recommended. 

Ryan Chetiyawardana – aka Mr Lyan – has been involved in the world of food and drink for over two decades, covering many different sides and roles before founding the Mr Lyan company in 2012. With a focus on innovation and exploring the boundaries of the industry, he has bars across London, Amsterdam and DC and has accrued the title of World’s Best Bar three times in amongst a series of awards and is recognised as the World’s Most Awarded Bartender. He has three books, as well as a MasterClass series and has talked on pioneering bar practice across the world. 

Born in London, Claire Warner has worked in the drinks industry for 20+ years: as an award-winning bartender, ambassador, consultant, writer, spirits judge, and finally, brand creator. Claire has been a tireless advocate for better health and wellbeing within the hospitality industry, credited with kick starting the move towards conscious consumption, creating the ‘Drink, Eat, Live’ platform in 2011. Today, Claire is best known as a positive drinking pioneer and co-founder of Æcorn, the sister brand to Seedlip. Claire is also an active board member for the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and Head of Advocacy for Diageo GB. 

Born and raised in Cornwall, Tristan Stephenson has worked in the drinks industry for over 20 years as owner/operator of numerous bars and as a whisky brand entrepreneur. He has also authored nine books (two of them bestsellers), he is a record breaking ultra runner, and he knows a thing or two about coffee as well. Born in London, Claire Warner has worked in the drinks industry 20+ years: as an award-winning bartender, ambassador, consultant, writer, spirits judge, and finally, brand creator. Claire has been a tireless advocate for better health and wellbeing within the hospitality industry, credited with kick starting the move towards conscious consumption, creating the ‘Drink, Eat, Live’ platform in 2011. Today, Claire is best known as a positive drinking pioneer and co-founder of Æcorn, the sister brand to Seedlip. Claire is also an active board member for the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and Head of Advocacy for Diageo GB. 

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