COCKTAIL connoisseurs are both stirring and shaking up a storm having reached the national finals of an international competition.

Voodoo Café in Darlington, run by husband and wife team Les and Kendra Fry, won the northern heats for ‘Best Cocktail’ and ‘Best Technical Skill’ in the UK Bartender’s Guild competition, sponsored by DeKuyper liquor.

Mr Fry’s cocktail ‘King Cruster’ - his own twist on the traditional 1850’s cruster cocktail - was crowned ‘Best Cocktail’ whilst bartender Jake Beaverstock won ‘Best Technical Skill’ in the region.

Despite only bartending for two years, its the second year in a row he has reached the national heats for his technical skills.

Mr Beaverstock said: “I’m just proud to represent the North in a competition which is dominantly southern or London based.

“This adds to our wall of achievements”.

Voodoo Café is not new to national recognition- in February 2013 it was presented with ‘Best Latin Restaurant Outside of London’ in the 2012 Lukas Awards (Latin UK Awards).

The successful local hotspot is also rated as 4.5 out of five on site Trip Advisor.

The Mexican and Latin American restaurant and bar, which boasts a variety of 54 different tequilas and mezcals, was inspired by Mr Fry’s childhood obsession with Mexico and experience with Latino culture whilst living in Mendicino, California.

The bar also hosts regular dance classes, live gigs, cocktail-making classes and spirit tastings.

Mr Fry and Mr Beaverstock will both be heading to London in October to compete for the national titles, and if successful would then travel to Tokyo in 2016 for the international finals.

Mr Fry said: “Damn right I’m proud!

“It’s Darlington - usually it’s Newcastle or Edinburgh representing the North.

“It’s good to get recognition for this town.”