James Lawson wins 2026 Rising Star Champion title

James Lawson of Heckfield Place has been named the 2026 Rising Star Champion at The Original Rum Bum Rising Stars Challenge. The competition, held at The Braywood in Berkshire, featured eight finalists from across the UK and Channel Islands.

Participants were evaluated on technical ability, creativity, and rum knowledge through three cocktail challenges. Lawson competed against finalists including Jack Trigwell of The Hinds Head, Bobby Saji Kadakampalli of The Savoy, and Rami Hammoude of La Haule Manor.