UK’s best-known mixologist, Merlin Griffiths, will be returning to The Game Fair 2026!
Merlin is a renowned mixologist and rural pub owner. Griffiths has almost 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Merlin Griffiths at the bar in the VIP Enclosure sponsored by JM Finn
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
This year’s cocktails are Lemony Snicket and Morello Negroni. Find Out More
Merlin Griffiths’ expertise in crafting cocktails and engaging with customers. 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 sponsored by JM Finn 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.
Lemony Snicket
Inspired by Mrs. Beeton’s traditional Victorian lemonade meets modern gothic steampunk. I’ve combined a lemon verbena infused gin, sweet herbal vermouth and mixed citrus peel oleo-saccharum with a hint of elderflower, finished with soda for a refreshing sparkle. A bouquet of lemon thyme and mint complete the cocktail bringing bright and fresh summer citrus flavours together into a very moreish lemonade-like cocktail.
In a surprisingly fortunate turn of events, Lemony Snicket’s are also available without the alcohol!
Morello Negroni
The classic Negroni is to my mind one of the best things you can do with British Gin. Adding Sussex Morello Cherry Liqueur to it brings a fruity twist that turns exceptional into remarkable! The sweetness of the morello cherry being a perfect foil bitter Campari and vermouth, a superb aperitif.
A cocktail that was born of Florentine nobility, Count Camillo Negroni, a famous bon vivant. It seems fitting to serve it at historic Ragley Hall, home of the Marquesses of Hertford. Saluti
