Name: Emily Chipperfield
Nicknames: Em
Pronouns: She/Her
Job title: Head of bars
Favourite drink: Charlie Chaplin
What got you into cocktail bars?
I started in bars randomly as I was looking for a sofa online and saw an advert saying my local late-night bar was looking for a new team member. I then moved to Australia after a breakup and met some people who inspired me to make a career in hospitality. I was fascinated by the creativity and community that came with the cocktail world
How many years have you worked in the industry?
12
What makes a great cocktail bar?
There are a lot of elements that need to find a perfect balance: atmosphere, identity, good quality products, consistency, but also a team that works together. When building a bar, you have to think of the entire guest experience but once the bar is up and running, your focus should be on taking care of your team as they will be the ones delivering this experience and taking care of your guests.
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
The community and creativity. It is what fascinated me from day 1 and what still keeps me going.
Who inspires you most in the industry?
Josh Rooms, my partner. We are opposites in so many ways. Being so close to him, I get to see a completely different approach to the challenges of operating bars and it has definitely made me better at my job.
What’s your favourite drink on the new menu?
It’s a really hard question to answer, the team has worked so hard to make such a diverse menu in style, flavour… I will say “third date” because it works for any occasion. It is a best seller for a reason after all.
What does being a Top 50 Cocktail Bar mean to you?
Industry recognition Is an encouragement to keep challenging ourselves and a reminder to give back to the community that helped get us to where we are now.
Where’s the best cocktail bar you’ve ever visited?
Either Cocktail Trading Company or the Sun Tavern.
What do you enjoy most about working at Callooh Callay?
They’re not afraid to try new things. Not everything will be a success but if you dare to try you might surprise yourself.
Do you have a least favourite ingredient?
Citric acid. Malic and Lactic genuinely taste so much nicer. People always try to lecture me on the fact that every acid has a different use and flavour profile. I’m very aware. Still stand by my statement
