It’s been a while but The Cocktail Lovers magazine is back and our latest issue is all about change.
Like it or not, we’ve all been through it over the past few months. Some of it has been good – we’ve had less time to be wrapped up in being ‘busy’ and could actually focus on well-earned rest and repair. Some of it has been bad – the uncertainty, the isolation, the fear. And some of it has been downright creative – hands up who’s used lockdown to learn a new skill? Mostly though, it’s been a time for solid reflection.
Everything we do has had to be re-evaluated. From the way we work to the way we work out, from who we can see to how we can interact, keeping socially distanced instead of socialising – it’s been tough going. And while things will no doubt continue to be different going forward – for the immediate future at least – this time of change is a time for growth.
In this issue we speak to the movers and shakers from several bars around the world about how they’re adapting to the challenges brought on by Covid-19. Has it been tough? Damn straight it has; in fact, it’s been the mother of all roller-coasters. But they’re all holding on tight, making the necessary adjustments and braving out the ride. Read the In My Experience stories from Indra Kantono from Jigger & Pony in Singapore, Julie Reiner from Clover Club in New York City, Iain McPherson from Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Ram Yadav from Nyte – Drinkery and Kitchen, Bangalore, Barney Toy from Clipper in New Zealand, Luke Whearty from BYRDI in Melbourne and Lelos Georgopoulos from The Clumsies in Athens – you’ll be inspired by their honest accounts.
Clockwise from top left: Steve Schneider, Lelos Georgopoulos; Barney Toy, Ram Yadav; Julie Reiner, Indra Kantono; Iain McPherson, Luke Whearty; Deano Moncrieffe, Kate Nicholls
Elsewhere, Steve Schneider announces the big change that he’s made in the past few months (it’s HUGE btw), we look at what we all did when we had to swap going out for staying in (clue: either make cocktails at home or dial up for them to be delivered), and we check in with bartenders and brands about their lockdown initiatives.
Deano Moncrieffe talks about his plans to tackle racism in the industry, we hear from UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls on how the union she heads up has made a real difference in times of need, and Rick Gent, one of our readers, shares the space where he’s been enjoying his cocktails instead of venturing out to the bar.
Yes, 2020 has been challenging – but please, let’s not focus on the negatives. As you will read in the Change issue, out today, there are plenty of wonderful, creative businesses out there that really need our support. Let’s all drink to their health and very prosperous future.
Be mindful. Be supportive. Be safe.
Issue 35 of The Cocktail Lovers magazine is available now. For bartenders wishing to receive a complimentary digital edition, please drop us an email us at mail@thecocktaillovers.com and we’ll send you a code to redeem your free copy by return.
To subscribe for a print issue, delivered anywhere in the world, sign up here and get the digital version here
