Davide is a bartender at the NoMad Hotel, working his way up in the hospitality world. Starting his career in Italy just as a way to raise some money for the summer holidays, eventually moved to London where he started from scratch bar backing through events and growing and learning from great bar people. Becoming a bartender was the game changer that motivated him to search and learn more and more.

Your current place of work

The NoMad Hotel

Tell us about yourself 

My name is Davide Leanza, I'm originally from Sicily but I was born in the north of Italy near Milan, a small town called Saronno. I started working in bars to get money for the summer and soon fell in love with the job. I moved to London in 2014 where I worked my way up from barbacking for an event company, going through different events and cocktail bars, working a few months with the Drinks Factory to then joining the team at the London Edition Hotel and the Punch Room in 2017. I'm now at the NoMad Hotel since June 2021 and I'm one of the London Spirits Competition Judges.

Image: Davide Leanza; Source: Instagram

Why did you want to become a Bartender?

I started off with the necessity to get money for myself and then fell in love with the craft itself 

Image: Davide Leanza

What are some of the most important skills for a Bartender?

Being Humble is a good chat, but most importantly an innate sense of hospitality and care for the guest.

If you had to pick one spirit brand that you love, which one would that be?

I have a sentimental attachment to Fernet Branca as I won the Barback Games and traveled few places with the brand other than designing the UK Fernet Coin 2022 together with Danilo Frigulti 

What's the best part of your job?

Creating connections and networking and hopefully making great experiences for our guests

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What do you love hearing as a bartender?

Guests call me by my name. 

How can a customer get your attention in a crowded bar?

A look is usually enough, if not a little gesture, and shouting my name sounds good!

What is your go-to "surprise me" order?

Medicina Latina (twist on penicillin with tequila and Mezcal) 

Image: Davide Leanza; Source: Instagram

Please name 3 bars that you admire and why?

Satan's Whiskers, is super not pretentious, great selection and execution of drinks. Funkidory, is the best bar in south London, with great service, a neighborhood bar, funky vibes, and also my brother and wife's bar. Finally, Bar Termini, has fast and great service, delicious coffee, drinks, and food. 

Any good customer story that you recall that comes to mind

I was once asked to keep the bar open longer than usual for a group of in-house guests, but didn't know why as we did anything similar before. After a while of making drinks, I asked and got told to have a look around the room. I found out I was actually serving my favourite actor ever. Had a nice chat and served them till 6 in the morning. What an experience.