Bartenders

Matt Roberts

Type

Bartenders

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Tide end town

WHERE DO YOU/HAVE YOU WORKED?

I'm currently on my way to a small town called Franschhoek in the winelands of Cape Town SA. We're going to be working hard over the next few short weeks to bring a Cocktail Bar concept to Le Quartier Francais, boutique hotel. We're hoping to compliment the well respected success of Margot Janse's 2 Michelin * 'Tasting Rooms' restaurant, all housed at Le Q F. Previously held Bar Manager position at Powder Keg Diplomacy and of Rambunctious Rapscallion at Quo Vadis, Montgomery Place and Prescription Cocktail Club in Paris.

FAVORITE BARS?

PKD will always hold a piece of my heart; I still cannot think of anywhere where you can find such a quality in cocktails; expanse in British beers; excitement in wines AND be looked after by such passionate and attentive staff - those guys rock! Happiness Forgets & Portobello Star, London; Curio Parlor, Paris; Bar Mutis, Barcelona; Rum Trader, Berlin.

FAVOURITE DRINK?

Gin. Room temperature gin.

Bad ass barman/rock n roll moment?

Well, being flown out to Africa and being put up in a beautiful hotel while I do what I love seems to be working pretty well for me right now! Though I doubt the TV'll make it out through the window during my stay!

Ever done it on a bar?

Ask HotBarChicklet!

What's next for you?

sailing the PKD ship to properity...

Best/worst chat up lines you've heard at a bar?

During my first week in Paris with no friends or anywhere to stay, a gentleman struck up a conversation noting that I quote had “very pretty hands”, he then invited me to quote “ride on his motorbike to show me around town” and offered to share a bottle of wine at his place. And best? I don’t think there is such a thing.

Tell us a secret or something we don't know?

When concentrating or very tired...I suck my thumb!

If you were to make a barchick cocktail, what would you put in it?

Something classy with a naught streak; "Mexican 55" 35ml Ocho Blanco 15ml Fresh Lemon Juice 10ml Sugar Top with a dry sparkling wine, try Chapel Down Brut.

How do you like your Martini?

Dry. Twist. Served in a very small coupe and the rest reserved on ice.

What did you want to be as a kid?

My dad, wearing collared shirts and a big set of keys.