### Cardiff Bartender Astonished by £53,000 Prize Win Upon Return From Training
A young bartender from Cardiff has been left speechless after returning from a professional development course and discovering he had become the unexpected recipient of a prize package valued at over £53,000. Lewis Denner, aged 28, had been attending a training session in Liverpool for his new job when his luck took a remarkable turn.
Lewis, who recently began employment at the stylish Gaucho steakhouse in Cardiff, travelled to Liverpool as part of his onboarding process. It was during this seemingly routine business trip that representatives from BOTB (Best of the Best), a well-known car competition operator, surprised him with the life-changing news. As the reality of the situation unveiled, Lewis found himself the owner of a brand-new Ford Focus ST Edition, alongside an additional £10,000 in cash.
BOTB, a company established in 1999, has made a name for itself by giving away high-value vehicles and lifestyle prizes to competition entrants across the UK. To date, they claim to have awarded nearly £100 million worth of cars. For Lewis, his participation in the BOTB Dream Car Competition has certainly paid dividends in ways he never imagined.
The Ford Focus ST Edition awarded to Lewis is no ordinary vehicle—it boasts an impressive i4 Turbo engine, delivers 276bhp, and reaches a top speed of 155 mph. When asked about his win, the bartender was still visibly in shock, admitting: “I’m lost for words. This is amazing.” He added: “I never expected to come up here to Liverpool for training and win a car. The only thing I’ve won before is probably something at a funfair.”
But the surprises didn’t end with the car. In a further twist, the BOTB team revealed the hidden £10,000 cash prize stashed in the boot—an extra gift that amplified the day’s excitement. Reflecting on his incredible streak of good fortune, Lewis mused, “They say things happen in threes, so after getting a new job, winning a car and the cash, let’s see what else happens.”
As a young father, Lewis has practical plans for his winnings. While the Ford Focus presents an attractive prospect, he is also weighing up the possibility of taking the cash option offered by BOTB, with the aim of investing in a place of his own. “I currently live with my parents, so this will go a long way towards me getting my own house. I also don’t currently drive, as it’s easy enough to get about in Cardiff without a car,” he explained.
In a light-hearted moment, Lewis shared that he intends to treat his daughter with a portion of the winnings, though he joked he would not be purchasing any more cuddly toys for her. Following the adrenaline-fuelled surprise, his celebratory plans remained down-to-earth: finishing his training session before heading to the bar for a well-earned drink.
Christian Williams, presenter for BOTB and the deliverer of the good news, commented on the uplifting event: “It’s always special surprising winners, but catching Lewis in the middle of a work training session made it even more memorable.” Williams went on to remark that the prize was certain to bring positive change to Lewis’s life, helping set the stage for an exciting future.
Lewis’s story is a testament to how ordinary days can unexpectedly turn extraordinary, and it highlights the enduring appeal of competitions such as those run by BOTB. For many, such tales offer a glimpse into how fortunes can be transformed overnight, reminding us all of the unpredictable nature of luck.