Neil Garner
Neil Garner started in the industry aged 17, as a glass collector in a local pub in Stockport, when it was renovated into a cocktail bar and on his 18th birthday he turned full time.
Neil moved to TGI's in Manchester where he worked for 3 years, working his way up, practising and training until becoming the head trainer. During his time at "Fridays" Neil won the tandem UK Championships, and began competing elsewhere - racking up several wins at the famous Roadhouse competition in covent garden, UK, European and Australasian Championships, eventually representing the UK at the Fridays world championships in Dallas, USA.
In 2001, Neil went travelling to Asia, and in 2002 lived in Australia, again working in bars to feed his passion for travel. He won 5 Australian Championships, and 2 in Asia, and his recognition brought him in sponsorship from Redbull. His first trip to Dubai saw him finish as runner up in another World Championships finishing a fabulous year for the young backpacker.
Still hungry for new places to visit in 2003 Neil went to work in Asia's largest Bar training academy in Seoul, South Korea as head trainer, another huge challenge - were he quickly picked up some of the language, and a liking for green tea which remains to this day!
Neil continued his travels to Las Vegas and became the only UK bartender ever to qualify for Legends of Bartending World Championships, in an amazing first place. By this time Garner's accolades where racking up as quickly as the pins in his world map - also visiting, Japan, Lebanon, Finland, Spain, Italy and Holland, and he was the winner of Lord of the Tins 3 competition - earning him an honorary lordship - a title which remains an issue of contention with fellow BarWizard Neil Lowrey!
2004 saw Neil return to the UK as Head Trainer for protender, and the ultimate training company, and the start of a continuing relationship with Bols liqueurs as he re-launched their bottles, which are designed for ease of flairing. Neil began working at some of the world's most glamorous parties, soon being the preferred bartender to many famous faces.
Neil continued to compete earning 4th place at the Roadhouse World Championships, and 5th place in the first King of the Ring competition in Las Vegas, and performing more training in Hong Kong, Japan, Italy, Morocco and Dubai.
Neil has now performed in over 40 countries and trained over 1000 people - and in 2005 his old friend Neil Lowrey proved to be the perfect business partner to begin pursuing their careers as professional entertainers.
Neil's media appearances have included the Romanian news, the Jay Leno show, promoted James Bond cocktails on Indian television and a forthcoming appearance in the new Hellmann's advert - making sandwiches with their new squeezy bottle!
Another role Neil is proud of is as a judge of many competitions worldwide, he is an official FBA judge, and has worked hard to help bring professionalism and benchmarks to the flair industry worldwide.
When asked of his achievements Garner replies with his trademark grin, "not bad for a humble Manc. eh?".
