TV’s best-known bartender, Merlin Griffiths, will be returning to The Game Fair 2026!
Merlin is a renowned bartended and mixologist, best known for this role as the charming bartender. Griffiths has almost 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Merlin Griffiths at the bar in the VIP Enclosure
You’ll also find Merlin on stage at the Carter Jonas Game Fair Theatre, sharing his plans to support and preserve the rural pub, as well as in the BASC Kitchen Theatre sponsored by Global Knives, where he’ll shake, stir and showcase his expert cocktail wizardry. Expect a masterclass that’s hands-on, good‑humoured, and guaranteed to leave the crowd buzzing – almost as much as his drinks do!
What to expert from Merlin Griffiths at The Game Fair 2026
Merlin Griffiths’ 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, Saturday & Sunday, showcasing two cocktails created exclusively for the event.
“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.
Merlin is the proud co-owner of The Dog & Gun in Walton, Leicester — a traditional rural pub that reflects his genuine passion for the countryside and British pub culture. His hands-on experience running a countryside venue makes him a natural fit for The Game Fair, where rural life, food, and drink come together.
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. 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
