Hotels of UAE

UAE’s Bartending Champion: Bâoli Dubai’s Claudiu Mnerau Wins DIAGEO World Class Competition

Bâoli Dubai’s Claudiu Mnerau

Dubai, UAE: Claudiu Mnerau, Beverage Manager at Bâoli Dubai, won UAE Champion at the DIAGEO World Class Competition. This win recognizes his work and sets the stage for the UAE in the global bartending industry.
Competition: Six Months of Challenges
Claudiu competed for six months. He was one of over 60 contenders.
In the semi-finals, Claudiu completed a concept development round and a mystery box challenge, earning a spot in the top three. The finals included a speed round and a food pairing task. Claudiu performed well in both tasks.

Claudiu Mnerau’s Journey to UAE Bartending Champion

Claudiu competed for six months. He was one of over 60 contenders.
In the semi-finals, Claudiu completed a concept development round and a mystery box challenge, earning a spot in the top three. The finals included a speed round and a food pairing task. Claudiu performed well in both tasks.

Representing UAE in Toronto

Claudiu will now represent the UAE at the World Class Global Finals in Toronto, Canada.
Claudiu credits his win to hard work. “Experience is not enough; you still have to put in the hard work,” he said. “This victory is not just mine; it represents the hard work and talent of our entire team.”

Claudiu Mnerau’s journey

Claudiu Mnerau has fifteen years of international hospitality experience. He leads Bâoli Dubai’s bar and beverage program.
He won the Bartender Romania National Finals in 2018. In 2019, he won World Class UAE & Oman and placed 10th globally at the World Class Global Final.

After Claudiu moved to Dubai, he worked at COYA Dubai as Head Bartender and Bar Manager. His work led to a top spot at “Tales of the Cocktail New Orleans” for Best Bar Team Middle East and Africa.

He previously managed operations at COYA Restaurants in London, Paris, Monaco, and Mykonos.

He also served as Hotel Beverage Manager for the Marriott Hotel and Resort Palm Jumeirah, overseeing nine outlets.

His experience in finance and operations, along with his leadership, has improved business performance and guest satisfaction.

Bâoli Dubai: Luxury Dining and Nightlife

Bâoli Dubai at J1 Beach, is the brand’s first location in the Middle East.

It combines Southeast Asian flavours with French style and offers dining and nightlife.

Bâoli Dubai is a part of Sunset Hospitality Group’s portfolio. A multinational hospitality group, it operates 87 venues in 25 countries.

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