Marcis Dzelzainis, 69 Colebrooke Row, London. Photograph: Addie ChinnWhere did you learn your craft?
I started bartending in Leeds, working for Living Ventures, at a venue called Prohibition Bar and Grill
Name a few of the places you’ve worked
Pintxo People (Brighton), All Star Lanes (London), Quo Vadis (London), 69 Colebrooke Row (London), The Zetter Townhouse (London).
Who’s the most inspiring person you’ve worked with and why?
Mustafa Osenturk (Barback Factory) aka Musty, aka The General: The man works harder than anybody I know and is personal friends with Patrick Stewart aka Jean Luc Picard.
What makes a good bartender?
Having a wide variety of interests outside of the drinks industry – it helps you connect with guests in a genuine fashion
Which bartenders do you admire and why?
Joe Stokoe, the man is an all rounder, a genuinely great bartender both in relation to creativity in drinks and service. He’s also a seasoned manager and is fun to work for, he’s organised and he gets the back of house administrative side of the job better than most people.
What’s your proudest moment as a bartender?
It’s yet to come but I think that opening the upcoming bar (Le Coq) in Paris is going to be pretty epic.
Shaken or stirred?
Just make sure it’s cold.
What’s your favourite drink?
To mix:
A gin Martini.
To drink:
A gin Martini.
On your menu:
The gin Martini.
What’s your definition of a bartender and a mixologist and where do you fit in?
1/ A bartender tends the bar.
2/ A mixologist mixes drinks.
3/ In front of the bar hopefully drinking a drink from either of them.
What’s your favourite ingredient?
Orgeat.
Where do you drink off duty?
Happiness Forgets, London; Candelaria, Paris; the pub on a Sunday.
What’s your essential piece of bar kit?
Wit.
What’s your failsafe recipe to mix at home?
Wine poured into a clean glass.
If you could mix a cocktail for anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
A.J Liebling, he was a wonderful writer who covered the subject of food and boxing with equal flair and eloquence.
Find Marcis tending bar at 69 Colebrooke Row, N1 8AA. T: 07540 528593. 69colebrookerow.com.
