Speaker / Host

Merlin Griffiths is instantly recognisable as the First Dates barman. He is usually the man tasked with warming the First Daters up and breaking the ice. The King of Cocktails, Merlin has been a Bartender and Mixologist for more than 20 years and has worked all over the world. When speaking Merlin shares some of the most hilarious anecdotes from the various series, along with some fabulous, entertaining and little known facts about the world’s most famous cocktails. He is a cracking speaker who entertains, informs and everyone goes home wanting to knock up a cocktail.

To book Merlin Griffiths for your next event, contact us today.

Expertise

Awards Presenters and Event Hosts

Read more about Merlin Griffiths

Merlin grew up in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, and was educated at Pate’s Grammar School. He used to own The Priory Tavern, in Kilburn, north-west London and now owns the Malsters in Badby, Northants.

He has one child with partner Lucile who Merlin, a keen cyclist, met at a cocktail competition more than a decade ago. Lucile and Merlin took over The Priory Tavern in 2010, taking influences from classic British pub food and their time working in Canada and America. The couple’s pub won Regional Cellar Keeper of the Year in 2015. The Malsters sits on Badby Villlage Green and he and Lucile have just spent the last six months renovating it into a charming pub and restaurant.

He has appeared in First Dates since series one in June 2013 and Channel 4 are currently airing series ten. It is a hugely popular TV show, series 11 is in the bag and they are about to film series 12