CLASS

08/09/2026

CLASS was founded in 1997, but this Autumn marks 10 years under Agile Media’s stewardship. We have a bigger birthday next year (the big 30!) but as we gear up for our next print edition - exactly a decade since the birth of CLASS 2.0 - we thought we’d remind you of some of our best - and in some cases, quite silly - covers.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU… 👀

Which CLASS cover is YOUR favourite?

And who would you love to see on a CLASS cover next?

Tell us in the comments below! 👇

Here’s the story behind our launch edition in Autumn 2016.

THE CLASS BARTENDER 2016
Autumn 2016 🍂
Illustration/Design: Stranger & Stranger

Our launch magazine in the Autumn of 2016 set out stall. For the cover we brought in the drinks industry’s top design agency Stranger & Stranger, who created this futuristic cover, establishing a vision for what the modern bartender could be.­ The image still disturbs us a little, but it made the desired impact, encapsulating the themes of the times: the move towards food in bars and a culinary approach to cocktails, the science and craftsmanship of drinks. In the small print, it also mentions cabbage. 🥬

03/09/2026

Andy Loudon (Andy Loudon) of Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London explores why the best bartenders don’t just share knowledge. They create stories, spark curiosity and give guests something to take home with them.

“Stop being a manual. Start being a narrator.”

Read the full article - https://classbarmag.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2377/Andy_Loudon%3A_talking_is_not_storytelling.html

26/08/2026

The wait is over: SCHOFIELD’S BAR London is almost with us. Head to the link - https://classbarmag.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2371/Schofields_secure_site_for_much-anticipated_London_sequel.html for the exclusive 🍸

19/08/2026

Why should creativity stop when the alcohol does? 👀

In her latest guest column, World Class GB Top 10 bartender Laurie Howells (Laurie Howells) challenges the industry to rethink its approach to non-alcoholic drinks.

From giving guests the same level of choice and creativity to thinking about texture, structure, acidity and flavour beyond ABV, Laurie argues that non-alc drinks should be developed with the same curiosity and ambition as the rest of the menu.
Read the full piece via the link in our bio.

12/08/2026

What makes a cocktail feel both familiar and unexpected?

At SAME AGAIN, The Headshot takes the structure of a Margarita and reimagines it with fermented tomato, shallot, coriander and a hibiscus-washed mezcal float – creating a serve that’s as intriguing as it is approachable.

In our latest feature, Tyler Zielinski | Entrepreneurial Bartender explores the thinking behind the cocktail and why its creators believe in striking the perfect balance between comfort and curiosity.

Swipe through for some of the standout quotes, then head to the link in our bio to read the full story.

07/08/2026

Hamish Smith visits ’s, the new London Bridge cocktail bar inspired by Borough Market and the area’s rich history.

From its distinctive setting at Colechurch House to a drinks list rooted in local ingredients and makers, Nancy’s earns a strong ★★★★☆ in our latest review.

Swipe through for a few standout moments from the review, then hit the link in our bio to read Hamish’s full verdict.
Have you been to Nancy’s yet?

Let us know what you thought below. 👇

06/08/2026

As part of our series of comment pieces from World Class GB Top 10 bartenders, Carrie Smith (Carrie Smith) issues a stirring statement on a much-neglected conversation.

Hospitality prides itself on being a people industry, but are we doing enough to support women’s health in the workplace?

From endometriosis and PCOS to miscarriage and menopause, Carrie argues it’s time to stop treating these as personal issues and start recognising them as workplace ones.
Read the full piece via the link in our bio.

06/08/2026

In the first of our new series featuring World Class Top 10 bartenders, Alex Goacher (ALEX GOACHER) explores how Manchester’s bar scene is evolving and what it says about hospitality more broadly.

As rising costs continue to reshape consumer behaviour, the venues that stand out aren’t always the cheapest or the most luxurious. They’re the ones creating experiences people remember, return to and recommend.

Swipe through for Alex’s thoughts on the changing landscape, the “Lipstick Effect,” and why experience has become hospitality’s most valuable product.

Do you agree? What makes a venue memorable enough to keep you coming back?
Read the full piece via the link in bio.

04/08/2026

Seasonality isn’t just about what’s available, it’s about getting the very best flavour from ingredients at their peak. 🫐🍈🍑

In our latest column, Anistatia Miller and Jared Brown share their favourite summer ingredients, from blueberries and shiso to melon and peaches, along with practical ideas bartenders can put to use behind the bar.

Swipe through for four standout tips 👉 then read the full feature via the link in our bio.

📸 iStock by Getty Images

29/07/2026

Anistatia Miller and Jared Brown share their pick of the leanest season’s finest.

Anistatia Miller and Jared Brown share their pick of the leanest season’s finest. Bring on the flavours of afternoons spent sipping under a café...