Tell us about yourself 

I'm Francesco, been in London for about 11 years, just came back recently after a year in Saudi Arabia for work. I'm a music lover, I love everything related to music from every country and every culture, same for food and drinks possibly with friends.

Why did you want to become a Bartender?

I never wanted personally, was the pure case, I started as a Barback and met people during my career that made it fun and it felt like being part of a pirate crew, so I just went with it. I got lucky and learned loads of things, met loads of people from all over the world, and saw loads of places. Can't complain about it?

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What are some of the most important skills for a Bartender?

Know everything you have in your bar. Read your guests. Don't assume. Be patient with everyone, waiters, barbacks, and guests; everyone is different and yes everyone will always ask something that seems stupid to you or someone had a bad day and might be a bit stressed. Don't get nervous if someone still asking you for a Pornstar Martini (god bless Douglas) instead of one of the fancy cocktails that you spend days creating, just make the people happy, everyone had a long day at work and just want a drink.

Still, keep yourself ready for the guest that is a bit more curious, you never know.

What do you look for when you plan to buy new products for your business? 

Depend on the requirement, but let's say in general something that is not similar to something I already stock, or something that people ask a lot for.

Recently we wanted to increase our Japanese spirits offering in our Japanese restaurant, but something that doesn't break the bank, as for Japanese whisky for example numbers can go easily high for a bottle.

So we managed to find some nice spirits that can be sold for classic cocktails or just to sip so we can please everyone

Image: Francesco Barbana

If you had to pick one spirit brand that you love, which one would that be?

I might be really boring, but give me a shot of Arrette blanco or Don Julio blanco and beer and I'm a happy person

What's the best part of your job?

Colleagues, we just have fun all the time, I got loads of nice regular guests too

Please share some tips to increase beverage sales in a Bar.

Train your team, make them confident with what you can offer

What do you love hearing as a bartender?

That, my team, is happy

How can a customer get your attention in a crowded bar?

not sure, I try to give attention to everyone, I hate to make people wait

What is your go-to "surprise me" order?

I always improvise, I try to read my guest and see what they usually drink or dislike, but if I have to improvise now, I'll do a twist of a sour cocktail just change the sweet part with a complex syrup and add a soft bitter/sweet like Aperol.

Please name 3 bars that you admire and why?

My family bar, in Italy ''Al Turista'' in the Udine province of Friuli Venezia Giulia, because my mum and aunt are running it and are my heroes, open by my grandad, been around for now 60 years and it's a unique place.

El Camion or Pink Chihuahua in Soho, is always busy, it's simple, it's loud, it always has food and the staff is always great, and they don't judge me if I have Arrette Blanco

Dalston Superstore has been around for ages in Dalston, it's fun and they do great parties.

Any good customer story that you recall that comes to mind

Making a pint of Margarita for Liam Gallager, as requested, he came back a few minutes later asking me for more and to tell me I was his favourite bartender, I had 3, had a good chat with him, and he left happy