A BARMAID from Teesside has been named as one of the best cocktail makers in the UK in a national competition.

Rachel Charnock, from Middlesbrough, works at Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, near Darlington, and has been named in the top ten best bartenders category in the Edgerton Pink Gin Masters 2015.

Ms Charnock was shortlisted from more than 50 entries from across the UK for her cocktail ‘Spice up Your Life’.

The competition recognises the top mixologists from bars, hotels and restaurants around the country and all of those shortlisted were invited to the prestigious Ivy Club in West London to share their skills and meet industry experts.

Ms Charnock has worked at Rockliffe Hall for almost a year having returned to the region after studying for her degree in fashion atelier at London’s University of Creative Arts.

She said: “It was an incredible experience to meet so many VIPs from the hotel and bar sector and I picked up a few more tricks of the trade.

“I was thrilled to make the top ten with my cocktail and I’m looking forward to being able to share it with diners and guests at Rockliffe Hall.”

Grace Matterson, head sommelier at Rockliffe Hall, added: “Rachel has shown a real talent and her cocktails are always really popular.

“We’re very proud to have such a highly-regarded mixologist on the team.”