White Rabbit vs Red Dog

Tom Loosli, mentor of Team Red Dog

You're a mentor for Team Red Dog...how's that going so far?
It's been a lot of fun so far, trying to help the guys as much as I can from afar and building a bit of team spirit before we get to finally all meet and put the whole experience together. Team Red Dog have all been a fountain of big ideas, so I've been trying to work with the production team to channel that creativity into something cohesive. The next stage is going to see me become half team leader and half party starter - a job that I accept with pleasure!

What are you helping your team with?
I've personally had a lot of experience with cocktail competitions so I've tasked the team with something that I've found valuable in the past, which is a bit of self-examination: refining all aspects of their recipe and serve, and thinking about how to convey their drink's concept in a way that the bar's guests will understand.

Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about the concept for the Red Dog?
We're the quintessential Tennessee dive bar. The embodiment of all the questionable joints from around the world that pour Jack Daniel's by the case. The sort of bar that Lemmy or Keith Richards would be found in. Loud rock 'n' roll, fun service, and simple tasty drinks.

What can people expect when they head down to your bar on 9th and 10th October?
We want to create an experience that people will remember. Expect to be rubbing denim-clad shoulders at the bar, bathed in glorious neon lights and sippin' on some banging Tennessee whiskey highballs while people wrestle over the juke box until the honky tonk band is ready for their next set. It'll be the sort of place where you can really kick back and let your hair down until closing time (after you've gotten bored at the stuffy bar across the street)!

Do you have a team mantra?
We've tried to brand ourselves as being the Underdogs in the competition. It makes sense as all of the team bar one are from outside of London, and we're here to represent the real down 'n' dirty dive bar versus the hoity-toity fancy cocktail bar. I think the underdog story is something that people can really get behind. Our other mantra has been "All roads lead to Red Dog." It really conjures the essence of what a really great dive bar is to us: the unavoidable vortex that will suck you in on a night out and spit you out in the early hours of the morning with a smile on your face.

May the best team win...why do you think that's going to be Red Dog?
This year's Tennessee Calling is not your regular cocktail competition, and I think that gives us a distinct advantage if we can play our cards right. We're not being judged on how elaborate our garnish is, or how many obscure brand facts we've memorised. This is all about the experience, so the drink and chat, while important, are a just a small part of that. And we're going to make it a serious experience.

Rich Hunt, mentor of Team White Rabbit

You're a mentor for Team White Rabbit...how's that going so far?
Great! It's such a pleasure to work with such creative and accomplished bartenders - from all kinds of bars from all parts of the UK as well.

What are you helping your team with?
I've been giving them pointers and leading the initial discussions on how to take the direction of the White Rabbit - given the brief from the Jack Daniel's team. We've discussed recipes, design, social media, music, service...everything that's involved in a bar. So there's a lot! Essentially it's been about being a balance and sage between the competitors and the brand and of course the host bar. There are always going to be things which need to be moulded to suit the venue.

Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about the concept for the White Rabbit?
Think: Finesse, Clarity and Charm in a Tennessee clubhouse and at just £6 per cocktail!

What can people expect when they head down to your bar on 9th and 10th October?
Following the White Rabbit will take you down a little hole and into a world of jump-jazz and head-shaking swing where incredible drinks and complementary canapés by 6 of the best bartenders in the UK sweeten the occasion (metaphorically of course).

Do you have a team mantra?
Finesse, charm and FUN!!

May the best team win...why do you think that's going to be White Rabbit?
There's something wonderful about discovering that you can have great fun in a "fine establishment" that always makes your night. And because when you take the price out of the picture, who wouldn't want to spend all their time having rip-roaring fun in a fine establishment such as the White Rabbit Saloon?!?!

Find out more about the Tennessee Calling IV final here.