Pronouns: She/Her
Job title: Bartender
How long have you worked at Couch: 6 Months
Favourite drink: Mezcal Tommys. With a salted rim (controversial, but I love it).
Awards & accolades:
Best Tequila Cocktail of Britain 2021
Talisker’s Rewild Challenge Winner 2021
IWSC Emerging Bartender of the Year 2022
Class Bar Awards Emerging Bartender of the Year 2023
World Class Great Britain Top 50 2023
Key skills: Agave nerd, savoury beverage master and bringing cool bird facts and videos to the team
What got you into cocktail bars?
Funny story. I had a quarter-life crisis in lockdown and was feeling underwhelmed by my career in Law, I am quite a creative person and always had a passion for experimenting with flavours.
After getting involved with a few local cocktail competitions in Bournemouth, I decided this is what I enjoyed and wanted to pursue. I was fortunate to be approached by Gemma Terry at Ojo Rojo for a job after being recognised in these lockdown comps. The rest is history!
It was the best career change I could have asked for and have found the industry incredibly rewarding.
How many years have you worked in the industry?
A whopping 3 years!
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
You have the freedom to work with an array of flavour pairings and create something quaffable from it. Nothing beats surprising a guest with the most insane flavour pairings that they never would have expected to work, it's always a fun conversation, and I love listening to their perspectives.
I also enjoy how supportive and educational this industry is. It is always wholesome to see bartenders and bars sharing their processes, drinks specs or just showing genuine love and support for each other. I have always found it to be a welcoming and safe space. Connection is beautiful.
What makes a great cocktail bar?
I cannot stress this enough, the people. Guests will bring the vibe if you are providing a great experience, service, and just genuine care for them as an individual.
Best drink on the current menu?
The White Grape Gimlet. Classy and Smashable.
Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini?
An Old Fashioned. Extra bitters, please.
What does being a Top 50 Cocktail Bar mean to you?
It's a fascinating community of bars who are experts in their fields with a dedication to the development of the industry, in terms of education and support. As a small team, we feel extremely proud to have achieved this award and are excited about the future of Couch.
What is the best cocktail bar you’ve ever visited?
Scout. I was absolutely gutted when it had to close its doors. It was an eye-opening experience for me.
What do you enjoy most about working at Couch?
The team, the visitors and the challenges.
The last 6 months at Couch have been an educational journey for me, where I have been able to improve my drinks development skills and knowledge. I approach my drinks in a completely different manner now than how I would 6 months ago. This would not have been achievable without such a supportive team! We just want to see each other excel.
Favourite ingredient to work with?
Agave. Always. SO diverse.
However, I am on a parsnip binge with my drinks right now. You can draw out a range of flavours from this vegetable through different cooking methods. In conclusion; parsnips are banging.
