There are two parts to The Diplomat bar in Hong Kong; the first is akin to an American tavern, with high-counter seating, and low lighting. Then down a pink corridor is the exclusive Social Club, with a contrast of dark seating and pink stools, an impressive vinyl collection, and a DJ booth to really get the party started. American John Nugent shares his journey and the concept behind his bar, and how he and his team fuse flavours from the US and Hong Kong to make some truly killer cocktails, and how the bar’s efforts and ethos secured it Hong Kong’s first Pin from global bar recognition system The Pinnacle Guide, truly putting this speakeasy at the forefront of Asian hospitality.

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The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re a brand owner, hospitality worker, distributor – or involved in any other facet of the spirits trade, and are feeling somewhat frustrated or concerned about the multiple headwinds and challenges facing the industry, then do not skip this episode. Our podcast host, Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business magazine, sat down with Nick Gillett from Mangrove Global to chat about the current state of the industry, covering inflation, tax increases, sustainability pressures, staff recruitment and retention, and market trends. Nick speaks incredibly candidly about the challenges – alongside many, many opportunities that still remain for growth and profitability. Plus, for any new brands or those just about to launch, he gives some very clear advice on how to gear yourselves up for the best chance of success.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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Keep updated on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/

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Find us on Threads:

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Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bar Leone in Hong Kong has gained an incredible reputation worldwide – and after visiting the venue first hand earlier this year, our podcast host Melita Kiely says it is easy to see why. Founder Lorenzo Antinori has brought a slice of Italian hospitality to Asia, where guests can expect approachable but delicious cocktails, satiating food offerings alongside, and a vibrant, warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s not hard to see why Bar Leone was voted the number one bar in Asia in 2024, and second globally. This episode explores how Lorenzo has achieved such dizzying heights of success, and what’s still to come – including a second Cuban-inspired bar opening in Hong Kong this summer.

Keep up to date with the latest spirits and cocktail news from The Spirits Business here:

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

Follow along on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/spiritsbusiness/

Keep updated on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirits-business/

Follow along on X (formerly Twitter):

https://x.com/spiritsbusiness

Find us on Threads:

https://www.threads.net/@spiritsbusiness

Take a look at our videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritsBusinessMagazine

The Spirits Business Podcast is hosted by Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business. This podcast episode was edited by Matchbox Motion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.