Bartenders across the country are dusting off their ping pong balls as the Underground Punch Pong League returns for 2015 with the Bartenders’ Challenge Cup.
Now in its third consecutive year, the main event in the league’s calendar will be the UPPL Bartenders’ Challenge Cup which will tour to seven cities around the country. Each regional heat will see multiple teams of two bartenders competing against each other in ‘beer pong’-style tournaments, with the traditional beer replaced by Black Pearl Punch, which is currently available at all London Cocktail Club venues. Two teams from each event will win a place in the grand final on the opening night of London Cocktail Week (Monday October 5) at London Cocktail Club – Shoreditch.
As well as bragging rights as national Punch Pong champions and an impressive trophy (pictured with last year’s champions Conor Brennan and John O’Reilly from Love & Death, Inc. in Belfast), the overall winners will receive tickets to an NFL game at Wembley Stadium.
The only rule for entry is that your place of work must stock Monin syrups and Plantation Rum. Register online at www.punchpong.com to book a place in your local heat and claim your UPPL membership card, which entitles you to discounted drinks and entry to special practice nights at UPPL host venues around the country.
The Underground Punch Pong League (UPPL) was founded in 2013 by JJ Goodman from the London Cocktail Club, co-sponsored by luxury French syrup brand MONIN – whose UK brand ambassador James Coston is master of ceremonies on the UK tour, along with Paul McFadyen from co-sponsor Plantation Rum.
James Coston, Monin’s UK brand ambassador and punch pong referee, said: “The Underground Punch Pong League is a great opportunity for bars across the UK to engage in some friendly competition with their local rivals – although some take it more seriously than others! We’re expecting the standard of play to be higher than ever this year, so look out for another dramatic grand final to kick off London Cocktail Week 2015.
“Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and spaces at the regional heats are limited so get your entries in early and prepare to battle for punch pong glory.”
To find out more about the Underground Punch Pong League and to enter your team, visit www.punchpong.com.
Underground Punch Pong League – Schedule
All events start at 7pm with registration from 6.30pm unless otherwise stated:
Belfast – Wednesday May 20, Love & Death, Inc.
Leeds – Wednesday June 3, Almost Famous
Newcastle – Wednesday June 10, Fat Buddha
Liverpool – Wednesday June 24, Salt Dog Slims
Brighton – Wednesday July 8, Lucky Voice
Edinburgh – Wednesday July 22, The Voodoo Rooms
London – Monday October 5, London Cocktail Club – Shoreditch (5pm, registration from 4.30pm. The London heat takes place just before the Final)
Final – Monday October 5, London Cocktail Club – Shoreditch
DRINKS ENTHUSIAST 