Classes: Cocktail

4.9 (142)

Clinton Weir – Internationally Acclaimed Bartender, Cocktail & Flair Champion.

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Clinton has built a reputation as one of the world’s most skilled and versatile bartenders. His journey began in 1997 in Pretoria, South Africa, where he started as a bartender and quickly discovered his passion for mixology, service, and the art of flair bartending.

By 2002, Clinton entered his first flair competition and won his first tandem title, representing Billy the Bums in Cape Town. Determined to become the first all-around South African champion, he made history in 2004/2005 as the first bartender to win both the National Flair and National Mixology Championships—an achievement that remains unmatched. Today, he holds an impressive five national titles in each category in South Africa.

Accomplishments & Global Recognition

Clinton’s career has taken him across 19 countries, where he has performed hundreds of flair and fire shows, designed over 60 cocktail menus, and developed signature recipes for leading brands in South Africa, London, and Australia.

His competitive achievements include

27 wins in Flair and Mixology across South Africa, the UK, and Australia.

8-time Australian National Flair Champion.

4-time World Finalist at the legendary Roadhouse in Covent Garden, London, ranking as high as 8th place in 2010.

National finalist in both Flair and Mixology across three bartender guilds: South African Bartenders Association, United Kingdom Bartending Guild, and Australian Bartending Guild.

Industry Leadership & Training

Beyond competing, Clinton has played a key role in bartending education. He has served as:

Head trainer for Creative Bartending School (London) and European Bartending School (London) (2009–2011).

A trainer for Shaker Bar School (London).

A lead trainer for the Sangri-La Hotel Group in Zhuhai, China.

High-Profile Events & Celebrity Clients

Clinton’s expertise has been sought after at some of the most prestigious events and by A-list celebrities, including:

British Royal Wedding (served Will & Kate at their Buckingham Palace after-party).

2009 MTV Music Awards (served Kanye West).

Roger Taylor’s Wedding (Queen’s drummer, with Brian May in attendance).

Shayne Warne’s Private bartender

Private events for Ellen DeGeneres, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Jamie Oliver, Cheryl Cole, the Black Eyed Peas, and The Sugar Babes.

New Year’s Eve parties for Sol Kerzner (Sun International Hotels) in 2003 & 2004.

Media & TV Appearances

Clinton has been featured in various international media, including:

EastEnders (UK TV show promo).

Market Kitchen (UK TV show).

Smirnoff Red Vodka Worldwide Launch Video (South Africa).

Co host on Emma Dean’s Eat Well Christmas cooking show in 2021 & 2022

Promotional videos for Ben Sherman Carnaby Street, Aura Club Mayfair, Apres Club London, Amika Club High Street Kensington, Opium Nightclub South Africa, and Bossa Nova Club South Africa.

A Legacy in Bartending

From competition podiums to exclusive celebrity parties, Clinton continues to set the standard in flair bartending and mixology. His passion for the craft, dedication to innovation, and commitment to entertaining audiences have made him one of the most respected figures in the industry today.

Classes by Clinton Weir