Michele Becatti, a passionate and experienced hospitality professional, has worked in the bar and hospitality industry for 15 years and has more than ten years of experience working in upscale bars in London. Currently, he is the bar manager at Ginza St. James, a luxurious Japanese restaurant in the heart of Mayfair.

Current place of work

Ginza Restaurant St. James.

Tell us about yourself. 

I was born in Italy, a few kilometers away from Grosseto in the south of Tuscany. I started my career in a friend-owned bar when I was 18 years. After I started to work in a 5 Star hotel near Siena at Petriolo Spa Resort, I stayed there for 3 years. I was in love with my job and started studying Bartending. I also became a member of AIBES (Italian Bartender Association ) with great results in some competitions. 

In 2013 I moved to London and joined a Bar called "Bunga Bunga ". After one year, I enjoyed joining the Novikov Team in Mayfair, where I improved my knowledge and skills. After almost four years there, I decided to move to another place and do experience a good cocktail bar, and I went to work at Blind Pig Social Eating House. After that, I did the experience the new Sushi Samba in Covent Garden and the Marylebone Hotel.

Image: Ginza Restaurant St. James

Why did you want to become a Bartender?

Initially, I loved and enjoyed staying with people, chatting with them, and creating a nice vibe around me, and the bar was the perfect place. After my passion for cocktails took over, the bar became where I wanted to be all the time.

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

Personality, Knowledge, Attitude, Humility 

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

I always look online for new products and try to buy them to create new cocktails with new flavors to give my customer the best experience.

Image: Michele Becatti; Source: Facebook

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

Plantation Rum

What's the best part of your job?

See my customers happy with the experience we give them every day. 

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

Every day create three special cocktails.  

What do you love hearing as a bartender?

I love hearing customers say, “This cocktail is amazing. Thanks for your suggestion.” 

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

Through eye contact. 

Image: Michele Becatti; Source: Ginza Restaurant St. James

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

I try to make a cocktail out of a menu created for a special event, and nobody knows it. 

Please name 3 bars that you admire and why?

- Mr. Fogg's, for the amazing cocktails and atmosphere 

- Novikov is My family, and I always feel at home there.

- Gibson for the craziest cocktails in the world.

Image: The Gibson | Bar | London

Any good customer story that you recall that comes to mind? 

I met a guy when I was working at Marylebone Hotel, he was a bartender from New York, and we shared our experience and knowledge. It was perfect to discover his techniques and his different style of work.

Header Image: Michele Becatti; Source: Facebook