30. September 2011 16:00

Media Partner of Bar Convent Berlin 2011: BarLife UK

BarLifeUK is a young online trade magazine from Great Britain. In the tradition of last year's Bar Convent Berlin BarlifeUK will serve as one of the official media partners in 2011 and cover the event in English.  

Simon, you serve as director of BarLifeUK. Please tell our visitors about the history of BarLifeUK?

BarLifeUK was founded in February 2010 by myself and Andy Ives. Andy has previously worked for Class and Theme magazines as well as working in and running several bars around London. I started out working in and running pubs and bars before working for various bar industry trade shows and magazines in the UK and Australia, where I spent 6 years. We have known each other for 12 years (unfortunately) so starting BarLifeUK was an obvious move.

 What was the idea behind the platform?

BarLifeUK started when Theme magazine closed and we realised that there was a gap in the market for an online news site which spoke to the trade in the language we all use. We never wanted to take ourselves or the industry too seriously, and whilst we pass on all the news that is happening we do so with a bit of humour and fun (well we think so). We also wanted to be able to update daily as this industry moves so quickly it is key to ensure the news is fresh.

Who writes for BarLifeUK?

The primary writer is Andy and I chip in whenever I can however we get a lot of content from a series of contributors from across the globe. We use some well-known names such as Gaz Regan and Angus Winchester, but we wanted to create a forum where up and coming bartenders could create a name for themsleves and help generate the next generation of icons. As a result a lot of bartenders still putting in major shifts behind the stick write for us, ensuring the content is fresh and relevant.

How has the bar scene developed in the UK in recent years?

Whilst I was away in Australia for 6 years, the UK bar scene moved on dramatically. I think the influence of bartenders from overseas has pushed the trade a great deal as has the increase in training programmes from the drinks companies. There has also been a concerted effort towards improving customer sevice and experience – something the UK was probably lacking in 10 years ago.

Bartenders are also more open to new ideas and training than any other profession in the world, and this shows in what they do every day. There has also been a new push towards Speakeasy bars and Molecular Mixology-led venues which has created some very interesting drinks and bars. It has also made Good Time Bars really stand out on their own, which in my opinion is a great thing.

It is often said that London is the intersection between the bar scene in the U.S. and Europe. They say: New things emerge in the U.S., then come to London and then on to the European mainland. Do you agree?

Let’s see..... absolute nonsense! New things are emerging all over the world now and the days of the US leading the way are long gone. I think some of the best bartenders in the world now work in Europe and not in London or the US. You only have to look at the winners of global competitions in recent years to see that. You’ll also notice that a lot of the best bartenders in London are not from England but from Europe.

I think the US looks to London and Europe now for its inspiration and new ideas. London is a great city to enjoy a cocktail in but don‘t underestimate the rest of the UK there are many amazing bars outside of the capital – some of my favourites in fact.

What are the most exciting recent new openings in the UK?

Whilst the economy may have taken a few bars out of action, which is always sad, it has also shown that a great bar will always do well. This is reflected by two new bar openings being the second venue for the respective groups - The Whistling Shop in London (by the same owners as Purl) is taking Molecular Mixology to a new level as is Zetter Townhouse also in London (and from the brains behind 69 Colebrook Row).

The American Bar at the Savoy re-opening was a great event (it’s sister venue The Beaufort Bar is also a great place). Then you have the likes of Nightjar & Happiness Forgets in Shoreditch – which is arguably the most exciting area in London for drinking right now. There are lots of others cropping up outside of London which we intend to visit soon – I’ll let you know what they’re like!

In a couply of days you'll be at Bar Convent Berlin to cover the show. Are you looking forward to something special?

I must admit BCB is a show I have wanted to visit ever since I first heard about it when I was in Australia (it was a bit far to travel then though). I am really looking forward to the Taste Forum – that sounds like a fantastic theatre to learn about different spirits in a non-biased environment.

The speaker lineup is exceptional and trying to fit in all the talks I want to is going to be a struggle. The bars in the evenings are going to be a real treat for me – everyone I have spoken to raves about the bar scene in Berlin and I can’t wait to experience it for myself. I have a few suggestions from people of where to visit but I like to be led by bartenders in my choices, start in one bar and then follow their recommendations – it hasn‘t let me down yet.

What is your favourite bar and your favourite drink?

Wow, the toughest question in the world – one I always ask people and hope they never ask me! My favourite drink is easier, it always depends on the time and place but as far as a cocktail I always enjoy it has to be a Rye Old Fashioned (with a nice cold beer on the side). Bar? Can I pick two? Thanks. It would be Keko Moku in Manchester which is a little tiki bar with the best atmosphere and the best Daiquiris going – the type of bar you pop into for one drink and leave at 1pm the next day. Also Callooh Callay in London – sit at the bar, have a great drink and chat to the guys and girls behind the bar, awesome.

And what's your favorite spirit from Germany, Austria and Switzerland?

It is tough, we don‘t get a great deal of German, Austrian or Swiss spirits in the UK unfortunately. The obvious answer is Jagermeister which is always a bartenders’ favourite over here and seems to be heavily involved in my best nights out. I am looking forward to coming over to BCB and having you all show me just how much I have been missing – ask me that question again in 2 weeks.

 

Find out more about BarLifeUK: barlifeuk.com