Bartenders
I was born in Verdun, north east France, and I grew up in Bordeaux. I also studied in Lille before discovering life in London.
I am an Ambassador for Martell Cognac, but before that I was Ambassador for Olmeca Altos Tequila for a few years, and I worked closely with the brand since it launched The Tahona Society – an international training programme and network of passionate bartenders aimed at celebrating the art of authentic Tequila production. I was previously bars manager at Green & Red. This is where it all began and I fell in love with Tequila and Mexico, having had the opportunity to experiment mixing drinks everyday with Europe’s largest selection of Tequila at the time (over 200).
My favourite bars are my locals; at the moment Callooh Callay and Happiness Forgets in Shoreditch. When travelling, I visit Delicatessen in Moscow, Salon 39, Ström and Barking Dog in Copenhagen, Hawthorn in Wellington, The Pourhouse and The Diamond in Vancouver, Tommy's in San Fransisco and, of course, La Capilla in Tequila town, Mexico.
Tequila! My go-to drink is a Blanco, served neat at room temperature in a stem glass, with a beer on the side.
I once served Paul McCartney his usual when I was a bartender at the old American Bar at The Connaught. (He drinks a margarita with a splash of fresh orange, for the record.) That was pretty rock n' roll - at least more so than the gin and tonic I made for Robert Plant at The Hawksmoor. Other than that, my best experience in the industry has to be my first trip to Mexico which was truly life-changing, as it made me realise my passion for Tequila.
In August, I’ll host the UK heats and final of The Tahona Society Cocktail Competition before heading to Mexico in September with the UK winner for the global competition finale! If you want to follow what’s happening with The Tahona Society in the UK and around the world then check out our Facebook page. On a personal note, hopefully at some point soon my wife and I will have a baby. Other than that, I am currently training for the Athens Classic Marathon while continuing to practice the fine art of mixing drinks (not at the same time!).
When I moved to London, fresh out of Law School, a friend of mine gave me a cocktail shaker as a leaving present and the rest is history. Also - and this is VERY important - Tequila is not made from a cactus...
Lolita 50ml Olmeca Altos Blanco 15ml Freshly squeezed lime juice 50ml Hibiscus Agua Fresca 2 dashes Orange bitters Build up in Highball and top up with lemonade. Lime wedge garnish.
Beefeater 24, wet, with a grapefruit twist.
Astronaut, fighter pilot, professional basketball player, amongst others…