TV’s best-known bartender, Merlin Griffiths, will be returning to The Game Fair in 2025!

Merlin is a renowned bartended and mixologist, best known for this role as the charming bartender on Channel 4’s First Dates. Griffiths has almost 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He co-owns the Priory Tavern in Kilburn, and has worked with various high-profile bars and restaurants too. His expertise in crafting cocktails and engaging with customers has made him a beloved figure on our TV screens. Griffiths also shares his knowledge through workshops and media appearances, contributing significantly to the modern cocktail culture.

Merlin will once again be shaking things up at the bar in the VIP Enclosure on Friday and Saturday, showcasing two cocktails created exclusively for the event, sponsored by R.M. Williams.

“I really couldn’t pick a better place to be, soaking up the sun, observing the great characters who we meet at The Game Fair and putting together some cocktails and mocktails unique to the event. I can’t wait to see how my very special concoctions go down; you can be sure they’ll be delicious.” Merlin Griffiths

The cocktails, sponsored by R.M. Williams, are…

Outback Cooler

Mixing one of Australia’s finest exports; Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin; alongside a traditional English preparation; Shrub.
And taking on board Australia’s avante garde cocktail scene by marrying unusual flavours that work well together. Just like a well chosen RM Williams outfit. Olive leaf gin is paired with both refreshing cucumber, lemon and mint, alongside almond a traditional flavour match to olive, and creates a super refreshing olive green highball worthy of an outback summer.

Ingredients:

50ml​ Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin
25ml​ Garden Shrub
20ml​ Fresh pressed lemon juice
15ml​ Orgeat syrup
Top with soda water

Stockman Spritz

If there’s one soft drink that defines Australia, it is the LLB, or Lemon Lime Bitters. So popular was this home drink that it was packaged and sold all over the nation. It’s the Australian equivalent of a Mrs. Beeton’s Homemade Victorian Lemonade.

Ingredients:

40ml​ Three Spirits Social Elixir
25ml​ Super Cantarito Mix
15ml​ Light Agave Nectar
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Top with lemonade

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