One of our staff has been named as one of the nation's top up and coming bartenders
A North East bartender has been named as one of the UK’s top up and coming cocktail makers.
James Brown, who serves at Mother Mercy in the city’s historic Cloth Market, has been shortlisted for Rising Star in the prestigious Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2026 awards.
James earned his place on the shortlist with a competition cocktail titled Renaissance, created specifically for the Rising Star finals.
The drink showcases a refined, modern flavour profile combining Ford’s Gin, forced rhubarb cordial, hibiscus and wild strawberry aperitif soda, and almond.
The individual recognition comes as Mother Mercy Cloth Market continues to build national momentum. The bar is currently listed in the UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars — the second time it has earned the accolade.
In 2025, he was named among the World Class Great Britain Top 100 Bartenders, becoming the second bartender from Mother Mercy to achieve the distinction.
James Brown said: “Being recognised at this level feels surreal, but I hope deserved. Everything I’ve done has been shaped by craft, care and consistency rather than chasing moments.
“Mother Mercy gives me the freedom to explore ideas properly — to test, fail, refine and play. That balance is what allows creativity to really mean something.”
Neil Donachie, co-founder of Mother Mercy, added: “James’ shortlisting is a natural extension of what we do at Cloth Market. Being recognised nationally — while currently holding our second UK Top 50 listing — speaks to the strength of the team and the culture we’ve built behind the bar.”