Barman Jimmy Barrat of ZUMA Dubai has been voted as the UAE’s leading barman. He took his first prize at the coveted Diageo Reserve World Class 2011 competition last Sunday night.Now in its third successful year of operation, the prize further establishes ZUMA Dubai as the region’s premier bar and restaurant.

Organized by Italian beverage conglomerate Diageo, the Diageo Reserve World Class 2011 awards showcased some of the region’s premier mixologists and cocktail maestros, who were judged on their professional flair and in-depth understanding of spirits as well as on their grooming, personality and ability to incorporate a touch of ‘local’ flavor into their proposed concoction.

“We are extremely proud of Jimy, this is such a great achievement. Jimmy’s passion has been instrumental in driving forward ZUMA Dubai’s innovative bar concept. His win is highly deserved and it is an honor to represent Zuma and the UAE in this coveted competition. We wish him all the best in the upcoming finals in India,” said Ajaz Sheikh, Director of Operations of ZUMA Dubai of Jimmy’s success.

Founded in 2009, the D.R.W.C awards seek to identify the world’s leading barman through an annual competition held across 180 markets globally. Over 9,000 applications have been submitted this year with the finals being held next month in India. Judged by six of the world’s most famous bartenders and critics, the D.R.W.C competition is a focal point in the bartender calendar.