Name: Liam Jones
Pronouns: He/Him
Job title: General Manager
How long have you worked at Pennyroyal: One year
Favourite drink: Chrysanthemum
What got you into cocktail bars?
I first got into cocktails thanks to a cheeky lil bramble at Be at One and I never looked back.
How many years have you worked in the industry?
6 Years
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
I love that the industry is ever changing, there’s always something new to learn and develop yourself further. Something that’s stuck with me is that if you’re not learning you’re stagnant. If you’re stagnant, then you’re not evolving and the business isn’t progressing. I like to apply this to my hospitality career and found a real love for what I do.
What makes a great cocktail bar?
A great cocktail bar is made by the people you’re with, any bar is the best bar in the world if you view it as such!
Best drink on the current menu?
My current favourite from this menu is the Redwing – Irish Whisky, Sloe Gin, Montenegro, Lemon, Maple, Angostura.
With our upcoming menu which launching on the 12th of June. I am spoiled for choice after the effort the team put in. I would have to say 101FM which uses Tanqueray Gin, Umeshu Sake, Benedictine, Lychee, Sugar, Absinthe and Soda, meow.
Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini?
Espresso Martini, who doesn’t love a shot.
What does being a Top 50 Cocktail Bar mean to you?
For myself this is a fantastic accolade to have as recognition for the hard work the whole team puts in every day. It’s a platform that is greatly appreciated and we strive to be a leader within the ever-changing world of the hospitality industry. It’s an honour and a pleasure to be listed alongside fantastic bars all over the UK.
What is the best cocktail bar you’ve ever visited?
Swift is currently my front runner, delicious booze driven cocktails. Yes please.
What do you enjoy most about working at Pennyroyal?
What I've loved since working at Pennyroyal is the immense amount of knowledge that I have built thanks to having the freedom to work with an extensive range of products and brilliant bartenders. I don’t think I’d be on the platform that I’m at currently without Pennyroyal and I’m unbelievably appreciative of this.
What does the future hold for Pennyroyal?
The future for Pennyroyal is looking great! This year we have our new menu dropping which we can’t wait for. Alongside this we’re stacked with some big takeovers domestically and international. The main goal is to keep being one of the best bars in the UK and really giving guests a fantastic experience with us and hopefully we can gain traction towards the wider world. The scope is to bring Wales to the world.
Awards & accolades: I have been very fortunate since starting competitions last year to place highly, my most recent include Top 50 for World Class and being in for the finals of Crystal Head at the end of June. The goal for myself this year is to keep hitting competitions. Alongside this at Pennyroyal we retained number 36 within the UK Top 50 list and we were finalist for Cardiff Life’s Best Bar which we’re grateful to be recognised for.
Key skills: I find that one of my main key skills is supporting others in their career to develop their skills further. It’s rewarding to see other people do well and that’s what I'm all about.
