Your current place of work / Last place of work.

The Arts Club Dubai / The Arts Club London

Tell us about yourself

I’m a 31year Italian, precisely from Puglia in the south of Italy, and living abroad since 2012. Initially moved to London and worked in the hospitality world ever since. Started off my career in Zuma and then moved to The Arts Club London in 2018. Currently living in Dubai since 2020 and still working for this amazing family.

Why did you want to become a Bartender?

I always loved social interaction, meeting new people, and engaging in conversation. Of course, the creativity behind this profession is what I love the most, curating every small detail in order to deliver a perfect and delicious serving. Learning opportunities are just infinite when you embrace this career and this allows you to grow more than you can imagine.

Image: Marco Semeraro at The Arts Club Dubai

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

When it comes to Mixology of course the knowledge of various cocktails, drink recipes, and the ability to create well-balanced and visually appealing drinks. Very important is as well measuring ingredients to ensure consistency in each drink. Wear a smile on your Face!! Being friendly, attentive, and able to engage with customers to provide a positive experience. Good communication skills are essential for interacting with guests and collaborating with other staff. Bartenders often handle multiple drink orders simultaneously, so the ability to multitask efficiently is crucial. Familiarity with different types of alcohol, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages and of course handling alcohol responsibly. There could be more, however, these skills overall combined with a positive attitude and a passion for hospitality, can help a bartender to excel in his role and provide excellent service to their patrons.

What do you look for when you plan to buy new products for your business?

First of all, quality, as you want to make sure you provide only the very best to your guests. Relevance to your venue as you don’t want to risk buying a product that does not align with your business model. Feedback from other users can help to identify if the vendor is a safe source and reviews from customer help to understand if what you buying will be actually appreciated or not.

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

I really like “The Lost Explorer”, they deliver an excellent Mezcal and I love their traditional and organic production methods.

What's the best part of your job?

Being recognized by your customer for the love and passion you put in on a daily basis is what drives you to keep going. Plus there’s nothing better than make someone’s day with a simple nice gesture.

What do you love hearing as a bartender?

I love hearing people appreciating the products you offer, is definitely something that makes you grateful for what you do and how you do it. I actually like critics too, as without them you would never strive to get better and improve.

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

Eye contact is by far one of the most important ways of getting attention, and allows you to understand if you are being acknowledged without needing to open your mouth.

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

Sometimes less is more, try to play safe to make sure your guest will 100% be satisfied. Tequila never disappoints.

Please name 3 bars that you admire and why?

Paradiso in Barcelona, The Connaught Bar in London and Licorería Limantour. Simply because I really think what they offer is special and extremely well executed.

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

Every customer leaves a story behind, but if I should mention one it would be meeting this Mexican guest in the very first bar I worked, which ended up being a great friend with whom I have shared endless margaritas.