Where did you learn your craft?
All over the place. It all started with a guy called Lloyd Bombell in a restaurant/café/bar called Amber Lounge in Sydney.
Name a few of the places you’ve worked
Strawberry Moons, Roadhouse, Townhouse, LAB, Graphic, London Cocktail Club.
Who’s the most inspiring person you’ve worked with and why?
A manager in a pub in Earl’s Court. She taught me how not to treat people, staff and guests. She inspired me to do the opposite to her.
What makes a good bartender?
Banter.
Which barmen do you admire and why?
Iain Richardson – a hospo unsung hero.
What’s your proudest moment as a bartender?
When a well known figure in the industry came up, told me I was a good bartender and they knew my name. I went totally red with embarrassment and pride. What a geek!
Shaken or stirred?
I’ll always stir! And that’s not just drinks…
What’s your favourite drink?
To mix:
at the moment, an Aviation.
To drink:
a G&T.
On your menu:
House Grog
What’s your definition of a bartender and a mixologist and where do you fit in?
A Mixologist makes concrete, a bartender makes drinks. I make terrible concrete.
What’s your favourite ingredient?
Gin.
Where do you drink off duty?
Cro Bar, LAB, B@1 Soho
What’s your essential piece of bar kit?
Banter. And I was always told a good bartender should be able to use a bucket of ice, a surface and get on with it.
What’s your failsafe recipe to mix at home?
A G&T
If you could mix a cocktail for anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to pull Inspector Morse a pint of Best, or a dram of Bells.
You can find Sarah tending bar at London Cocktail Club, 224 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EB T: 020 7580 1960. londoncocktailclub.co.uk.
