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.

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

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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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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/

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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.

On today's podcast episode, our host Melita Kiely is speaking with Jack Sotti, who is the brand ambassador for Bar Convent London. The first Baar Convent London event will take place from the 30 June to 1 July. But even if you tune into this episode after these dates, do keep listening because Jack has had an incredible career and offers so much great advice during this episode.

Throughout the conversation, Jack delves into the emphasis on education at Bar Convent events, and why this isn't just a show for London, but an event to unite industry professionals around the UK. Plus, we go into detail about Jack's journey so far, from taking some serious risks in the early days of his career to opening his bar Archive & Myth in London, as well as the importance of parental support in the drinks industry.

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

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/

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

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.

Spend just a few minutes in the company of Ilaria Carone and it’s hard to believe that someone so vivacious and chatty moved from Italy to London a short seven years ago speaking next to no English. Armed with as much experience as she could gather in her home country, Ilaria headed to London to pursue her dream hospitality career. Not afraid to rise to the challenge, she secured her first position a few days in at a private members’ club – and her success has only grown from there.

Having worked for some of the most well-respected, high-end venues in London – including prestigious members’ club Annabel’s – Ilaria has a wealth of experience in creating tailored drinking experiences for her guests. Today, she is the UK brand ambassador for Four Roses Bourbon, and in this week’s episode, Ilaria tells us about her hospitality journey, why she is constantly seeking new challenges, opportunities and educational experiences, and also about her love of whiskey.

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.

Bartender, ambassador, brand co-founder, mentor, educator, public speaker – Claire Warner has a killer CV. With 25 years in the spirits industry, Claire has worked with some of the brightest minds in the business – and inspired many along the way, too. As head of luxury advocacy at Diageo, she is passionate about championing the on-trade, and building and supporting relationships between brands and bartenders.

During our conversation we covered everything from the significance of cocktail competitions and the rise of the no-alcohol category, to the importance of helping hospitality and spirits professionals find balance and avoid reaching burnout, and how to tell when it’s the right time to make that all important career move.

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/

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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.

It’s no secret that the number of women pursuing STEM subjects and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields is woefully low compared to the number of men. But Trudiann Branker, the first woman master blender for Mount Gay Rum, is a shining example of the successful career trajectory that’s possible for women in STEM fields. Passionate about flavour and the science behind creating new profiles in rum, Trudiann is funding huge success and enjoyment from creating innovative rum blends for Mount Gay – and filling the barrels for future master blenders to come.

This episode spans the significance of Mount Gay Rum to Barbados, the importance of sustainability – particularly as an island producer – how we can bring even more women into the world of spirits, and career advice for aspiring blenders.

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.

This is our first live recording of a podcast episode – and we're delighted to share such an insightful and informative talk we held in March to mark International Women's Day. Titled 'Actions speak louder than words: engaging in meaningful change'. This was not a protest or an empty celebration of women; what’s always been at the core of these events is to share a conversation where women can attend, participate, and leave with actionable steps to further their professional development, and support other women along the way.

This year’s discussion centred on women in hospitality, with a powerful line-up of experienced voices: Alice Taraschi, manager of The Guard’s Bar & Lounge at Raffles London at The OWO; Hebe Richardson, owner of Soda & Friends; Siobhan Payne and Hannah Sharman-Cox, co-founders and directors of London Cocktail Week, HANDS London Consultancy, and The Pinnacle Guide; and Anna Sebastian, founder of a global hospitality agency and Celebrate Her. Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of The Spirits Business, moderated the discussion, which took place at The Guard’s Bar & Lounge – a proudly Pinned bar.

From bartenders and bar owners to consultants, ambassadors and more, women in hospitality are flourishing. But how can we support, protect and celebrate them more effectively? We delve into all of this and more in this week's episode.

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.