Coming from the south of Spain, under a huge wine and sherry wine influence, Celso Amor has been working in the bar industry since he moved to Edinburgh 5 years ago. Knowledge, organization, and passion are the three important skills for a good bartender.

Learn more about him in the space below.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Celso Amor. I Am a young bartender, born and raised in the south of Spain, under a huge wine and sherry wine influence. 

It has been 5 years since I moved to Edinburgh, where I continued working as a Bar manager and bar consultant.

Why did you want to become a bartender?

Maybe my answer will disappoint many people. But the truth is I chose this career because I didn't like to wake up early. 

That was just the beginning. After that, I fell in love with everything around hospitality.

What are some of the most essential skills for a bartender?

Maybe it sounds simple, but I always ask for common sense from my team. That's the main solid base for a good bartender. Then, organization, knowledge, and passion.

Image: Celso Amor; Source: Instagram

What do you look for when buying new products for your business? 

I always try to look for good quality products (spirits, bar tools, furniture, etc.). 

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

I´m very happy with the job at Isle of Harris Distillery. Especially with the "refill project". They allow customers to order repeat gin subscriptions without ever having to throw out their bottles. They are also involved with social projects and use sustainably sourced local ingredients, which is a great step to make our industry sustainable.

Image: Celso Amor; Source: The Daiquiri

What's the best part of your job?

Honestly, my biggest goal has always been to see happiness in people. To create unforgettable experiences for them. 

After that, the best part of my job is definitely the creative work before the launch of a new cocktail list.

Please share some tips to increase beverage sales in a bar.

We must be careful with the type of promotions made related to alcohol consumption, especially in the UK. 

I would recommend; the periodic organization of events to keep high-quality standards at work and be aware of what we waste. We can save a lot of money by keeping waste to a minimum.

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What do you love hearing as a bartender?

"Wow", that's the sound of a well-done job.

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

Simply entering the bar. It is a very important requirement in our profession to pay attention to such details. Although the place is crowded with customers, you must pay attention to new customers. This is the result of a well-coordinated team.

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

I would never recommend particular cocktails without talking to the customer first. Of course, there are certain drinks that a large majority of people like. However, I would not recommend a cocktail without exchanging opinions with the customer.

Image: Celso Amor

Please name 3 bars that you admire and why?

Paradiso, the work they have done in recent years has been incredible. They have done an unbelievable job in recent years.

Mariposa Negra. Owned and run by Luca Corradini. It is expected to be one of the new temples of contemporary cocktails.

Connaught Bar. They are simply the best.

Do any good customer stories that you recall come to mind?

I don't know if that's the best answer. But the truth is, over time and because of the situation, I think it's funny now. It happened during my first week as head bartender in a famous hotel. Nobody told me that at a certain time that day would ring the fire alarm, spoiler (it was only a test). After getting everyone together, I was about to leave with the customers. When one of the managers showed up and said, it was just a test. After some complementary proseccos, all was sorted out.

Header Image: Celso Amor