Your current place of work 

The Goring Hotel

Tell us about yourself 

Italian bartender arrived in London in 2019 to follow my passion for Bar and Mixology. In my London career, I can definitely say that I was lucky enough to work in several places where I could meet many professionals from whom I could learn a lot, both professional and personal level. To date, I can proudly say that I'm the Head Bartender of The Goring Hotel, one of the best hotels in the United Kingdom.

Why did you want to become a Bartender?

Ever since I was a kid I've always been a very creative guy. At the age of fourteen I enjoyed cooking at home, there I was already starting to discover new flavour and ingredients. Immediately after the age of eighteen, I become aware of the world of bartending and mixology. My passion for travel, combined with the fact that I love being in contact with people and giving them a nice experience at the bar has made my choice very obvious. Choose that I don't regret at all. 

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

Surely is empathy. The ability to understand another person's thoughts and feeling in a situation from their point of view rather than ours. This means always putting our customers first and making them feel always welcomed and considered. This aspect also helps us very much in understanding guest needs. 

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

There are several things I look at in the product to buy. Today we can definitely say that luckily most of the products that we see in the bars are of excellent quality. After quality, I look at the price and how the brand can support us as a bar. Last but not least I focus on the story behind the brand and what the brand does in terms of sustainability. Sustainability is a theme that I care about very much and I really appreciate the business that makes progress in this sense. 

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

Amaro Lucano. A brand that marked the history of drinking well in Italy and not only, with a superb story behind it.

What's the best part of your job?

The best part of my job for me is to have the possibility to always meet new people and to create many connections, both with guests who are fundamental and the team who I work with. By doing this Job I had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and this allows me to put it into practice with customers and their experience at the bar.

Image: Massimiliano Pantaleo

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

Surely having a wide range of products, so we can offer a multiple choice and please all kind of customers. Of course, in addition to this, much depends on the person, I truly believe that each of us is a seller. Of course, there are those who are very good at it and who are less. Providing training periodically is a key factor in order to upsell, knowing them well is a huge help.

What do you love hearing as a bartender?

A simple thank you or well done is for me already really satisfying and enough to make my day. 

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

Usually, I go to them before the drink is nearly empty, but if that doesn't happen for any reason simply looking at me is enough for me to understand they need me. 

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

Usually, I like to improvise at the moment, based on what they like, I also have to admit that sometimes I come out with some very nice cocktail out of nothing. 

The main ingredient is always Creativity. 

Please name 3 bars that you admire and why

1-Paradiso Bar: My favourite bar where I had the best experience ever.

2- Little red door: Very Nice cocktail and amazing concept behind it.

3- Bar Termini Soho: Beautiful atmosphere and delicious negronis. 

Image: Massimiliano Pantaleo

Any good customer story that you recall that comes to mind

After making a few recommendations, a guest invited me to dine at his house in New York.