Roger Jones on what its like to see UK Sommelier of the Year live

After a day of intense competition Emma Denney, director of wine at Claridge’s , was crowned UK Sommelier of the Year 2026 earlier in the month in what turned out to be a record breaking contest with nearly 70 of the country’s best sommeliers battling it out for the top prize. It was also the first year the competition has been run by Christelle Guibert, formerly head of the IWSC, who has already stamped her mark on this prestigious and important event. In the first of two reports from the event Roger Jones was on the front row at St John’s Church, Waterloo in London to share his experiences from the day. Later in the week The Buyer talks to Guibert about why and how she has taken on such a prestigious event.