A BASILDON bartender is battling it out to be crowned the best in Britain.

Rob Stevens, 42, from Leigh, works in TGI Friday’s, in Basildon, and has made it to the final six of the chain’s annual competition.

The contest involved hundreds of staff from 64 restaurants across the country.

Rob finished in the top three in the Southern UK final last month.

He knows more than 800 cocktail recipes and Rob is practising his routine ahead of the grand final in Liverpool tomorrow. If Rob wins, he will qualify for the chain’s world championship in America next year, where he will be in with a chance at grabbing the $10,000 prize.

He said: “This is my thirteenth final and the toughest so far, due to the high standards of the bartenders competing this year.

“I’m really in it to compete with myself, and will be happy with any result if I give it my all, but to win would be a dream come true.”

To show support for Rob, visit www.facebook .com/tgifridaysuk