#rumfamily : Favourite Bartenders-Lydia Rose

This time #rumfamily is back in London to hear from someone we met at the Black Parrot bar recently, Lydia Rose. The Black Parrot back bar is immense if you love Rum as much as we do and Lydia was the perfect bartender to help us try a wide variety of Rums including some very old ones and she also mixed up some awesome cocktails for us!

How long have you been bartending?
My first bartending job was in 2017, I was working in Egg LDN for about 6 months. I then went to learn more about cocktails and did a one month course at London Bar School.

What made you decide you wanted to work behind a bar?
I worked in an office for 3 years but I got fired! I wanted to work in a different environment. I also love the film Coyote Ugly!

Where do you find your inspiration for new cocktails?
My team at Merchant House and Black Parrot are very inspiring. I have learned so much with them and it’s great to be around people who are always pushing the boundaries and coming up with new ideas.

What’s your go to ingredient?
We make our own syrups and cordials, which I use every day, as well as fresh seasonal fruit. Our cocktails change with the seasons so we are always looking for the next gorgeous fruit that we can order in to experiment with.

What’s your proudest accomplishment so far?
My proudest achievement would be having the confidence and the knowledge to host our master classes. It’s something I never thought I would do, however, I got my first round of applause the other week, which was crazy!

Define the perfect cocktail?
My manager says empathy is really important to our role. If my guest describes their perfect cocktail I do my best to create it for them and make it even better.

What is your go to drink on a night out?
Gin and Tonic is still something I drink a lot when I am out, although I do enjoy beer or a whiskey after work.

What’s your favourite thing about working behind a bar?
The people that you get to meet are amazing and some of them can be so kind and considerate. I also really love that I have the opportunity to learn so much and the people that I work with make it so much fun.

What’s your least favourite thing about working behind the bar?
Just dealing with the occasional rude guest. It rarely happens though; most of the people who come through are really kind.

What is your favourite drink to make?
I enjoy making everything! I love Charlie Chaplin’s, Pina Colada’s, Daiquiris’ and El Presidente’s

Where can we find you to enjoy your cocktails?
Black Parrot London