HERE’S one man who can mix it with the best of them.

Alex Proudfoot travelled to London this week to compete for the title of the UK’s best bartender.

The 27-year-old, who works at Raoul’s Bar in Walton Street, Oxford, had to sit a written exam and take part in a blind tasting over the two-day Bartender Challenge competition.

Mr Proudfoot, who lives in Cowley Road, was knocked out on the first day, but was upbeat about his experience.

He said: “I was pretty certain I would be knocked out and now it has happened it’s a weight off my mind. I no longer have to fret about it.

“To have got through to the final is quite a large feat so I am happy and I know where I went wrong.

“The exam was really hard and I missed a few really easy questions.”

He was one of eight finalists who went to the Museum of London Docklands this week to put their skills to the test.

The competition had been taking place over three months, involving six heats across the UK.

Mr Proudfoot beat off competition from about 500 other hopeful bartenders.

Once he was knocked out, and there were only three bartenders left, they had to create their own “pop-up” bar and cocktail menu to be judged by the guests at the museum.

He said: “I have been a bartender for seven years now and I have just been enjoying what I do.

“I like the social aspect of it, and there is quite a lot of history behind the drinks as well.”

His feature cocktail is the Karstaway, made from rum and orange shrub served in an enamel mug.

Mr Proudfoot, who has been working at Raouls for nearly three years, got to the final by applying for the competition and winning his regional heat.