Fernet-Branca Barback Games

Back for a fifth year, at a brand new venue, you're invited to attend the Fernet-Branca Barback Games!

Launched in 2007 by Italian digestif Fernet-Branca, the games were first held in San Francisco and have since become one of the largest touring bar events in the world. They celebrate family, community and creativity and in 2023 they will once again bring together bar teams from across the UK to battle it out in a series of high-octane challenges inspired by daily jobs in the bar. The winning team will be crowned the Barback Games champions and win an incredible all-expenses paid trip to Milan, including a visit to the Fernet-Branca distillery.

The Fernet-Branca team are inviting industry friends and colleagues to join the Barback Games on 25 September, at The Steel Yard in London. RSVP today and get ready to cheer on the fearless teams!

Back the winning team to win a Fernet-Branca 2023 coin!

The Fernet-Branca coin is back, with the 2023 edition due to be released at the Barback Games. All guests at the games are eligible to win one of these coveted coins if they back the winning team.

How do the games work?

Speed, dexterity, stamina and more, the Fernet-Branca Barback Games will see bar teams put to the test with a series of tough but entertaining challenges, cheered on by a throng of industry friends.

Following online entry, 10 teams will be chosen to compete in the UK final, which kicks off on Monday, 25th September, at London's The Steel Yard. The finalists will face several knockout rounds before a final head-to-head challenge. They'll be tested on their hospitality skills and endurance through a series of obstacle course-style physical challenges, followed by their knowledge and passion for cocktails and Fernet-Branca.

The winning team will win an incredible all-expenses-paid trip to Milan with Fernet-Branca to visit the distillery and take in the culture of Italy.

Who qualifies to compete?

Any hospitality venue stocking Fernet-Branca can enter a team of two. This year Fernet-Branca would like to celebrate every role in pubs, bars and restaurants so whether you're a full-time bar back or you do multiple jobs which include doing the role of a bar back you're eligible to enter. The competition is open to all.

For those who are looking to attend the games rather than compete, please RSVP for tickets online here.

As well as being a spectator and watching the teams battle it out, guests will have a chance to win a limited edition 2023 Fernet-Branca coin which will be released and launched at the event!