A BARTENDER from TGI Friday’s at Lakeside is aiming to be crowned the number one in his trade in the south.

Chris Thraves will take on other south England based mixologists from the restaurant chain in the Southern TGI Fridays UK Bartender Championship Final, which takes place in Reading on Monday, July 13.

A top three finish will secure his place in the British final in Liverpool in September.

Chris said: “I’m putting in hours of practice a day and can’t wait to show what I can do in the Southern final in front of a big crowd. It’s amazing to think that I am just one step away from the national final now, so a good performance on the night is a must.”