People who receive alcoholic treats in gift hampers may chose to get creative with what they find thanks to a recent competition involving beverage experts.

During an event held at Shoreditch House, two-Michelin starred chef Raymond Blanc selected who he thought was the most talented team of cocktail makers to represent the UK in an international contest.

The foodie runs a series of eateries in the UK and often appears on cooking programmes.

Team Belfast, which comprises Hayden Scott Lambert and Lisa McCarron from the Merchant Hotel, will join Team West London as participants in the Cocktail World Cup in New Zealand.

Cocktail judge Peter Dorelli remarked: "So much talent, so many great drinks. I have never seen bartenders put so much imagination and dedication into their performances."

The beverage that saw Team Belfast get through to the next round contained a tantalising mixture of vodka, lime juice, salt, sugar, passionfruit puree and tomato extract.