Where do you work?

NoMad hotel in London.

Tell us something about yourself.

Hi there! Good to meet you all! I am Stefano Bussi, a 25 years old bartender originally from Piedmont Italy. I have been working in the UK for the last couple of years. In my experiences I have been lucky enough to work in different places such as The Ritz hotel, The American Bar at The Savoy and now you can find me shaking drinks at the newly opened NoMad hotel in Covent Garden.

Stefano Bussi, Bartender at The NoMad Hotel London

What inspired you to get into bartending?

The bar has always been part of my life since I was a kid. I guess I was like 8 when I made a Negroni for the first time at my parents' small cafè. But what really inspired me to become a bartender was the relationship that you can build with your guests and the opportunity to travel and meet a lot of different people and cultures.

How according to you has the role of the Bartender evolved, especially now during Covid times?

Well, the beauty of being a bartender is the constant motion of things! Is a world that is always evolving and changing alongside the historical moment we are living in. Covid obviously added a new dimension to our job. If the bartender before C-19 was already crafting drinks and experiences according to the guest, right now is even more about that! After all the struggle and uncertainty it is essential that us as bartenders give the best time possible to everyone!

Last but not least, in these times being supportive (think about small businesses) and respectful of everyone is very important.

What are some of the most important skills for a bartender to have?

In my opinion a bartender should be a great team player, attentive, ready to help and with a great attitude; those skills together with a good knowledge and speed of execution would make a complete bartender.

What do you look for when you plan to buy spirits for your bar?

When buying a spirit it is good practice to look for the characteristics that more suit your workplace; I reckon that attention to sustainability and healthy work practice when choosing a brand should also be taken in consideration.