“What then is a cocktail?
A cocktail is one of the most gracious of drinks; it pleases the senses. Those who partake in common of this refreshing nectar, breaks the ice of formal reserve. Taut nerves relax, taut muscles relax, tired eyes brighten, tongues loosen, friendships deepen, and the whole world becomes a better place in which to live.”
I have spent years obsessed with hospitality and where flavour comes from. Spirits, cocktails, beer, wine, food. The whole table.
What keeps me in it is simple. A good drink and a bit of care can change someone’s night.
I get my energy from people. Fixing a stranger a drink. My cocktail segment on Channel 4 Sunday Brunch. Writing, hosting, building menus. If you want me to make you a drink, build something together, or host your event, get in touch.
Background
I was born and raised in London. I cut my teeth owning and running venues in Melbourne, London and Auckland, including Boilermaker House and Eau de Vie Melbourne. To understand cocktail culture properly I spent a year travelling the world through 80 bars. My Australian venues won Best Cocktail Bar, Best Craft Beer Bar, Best Whisky Bar, Best Cocktail Menu and Best Bar Team.
I was named World Class Bartender of the Year Australia and placed third in the world with the first levitating cocktail. Diageo brought me in as Tanqueray Brand Ambassador, then Head of Brand Advocacy UK. I turned a pure on trade team into a cross functional one working across on trade, off trade and marketing.
I left to do this. Bar concepts, cocktail menus and drinks brands, for clients around the world. Consulting, mixology and content, in one place.