Hello, I'm Matthew.
I'm a hard-working, enthusiastic, pragmatic individual who selflessly places the needs of my establishment above my own. I pride myself on customer service, customer interaction and I always exceed customers' expectations.
From years of experience working and operating in different bars and restaurants, I have learned how to be pragmatic in all situations that arise. Working at, and managing The Dandelion craft cocktail bar in Johannesburg is a particular highlight. Being given the opportunity to open up the bar from the ground up and create unique, beautiful cocktails for the menu and training new and eager bartenders was an experience and opportunity I will never forget. With a beautiful cocktail bar and unique handcrafted cocktails and a fantastic team, it always meant there was never a dull night. Another highlight of my career has been reopening Club 61 speakeasy restaurant and bar in Barcelona, Spain. I was given the challenge of creating a signature cocktail menu and setting up the bar from scratch which was no easy task. Still, thanks to my previous experience, I found it to be manageable and even enjoyable at the same time. The bar is now thriving and on its way to great success.
Education
European Bartender School online Mixology - Dec 2020
European Bartender School Cape Town International Bartender Course (4 weeks) - Nov 2020
European Bartender School (Cape Town) online World Flair Association (Yellow level) - Nov 2020
Work experience
The Dandelion Cocktail Bar - Northcliff South Africa Bar Manager/Head Bartender, Dec. 1, 2021 - May 6, 2022
SIP Exlcusive Joahnnesburg - Johannesburg South Africa Event Bartender/Manager, Dec. 1, 2020 - Dec. 1, 2021
Emoya Estate and conference centre - Bloemfontein South Africa Bartender/ Part time manager, June 1, 2014 - July 1, 2017
Die Mystic Boer - Bloemfontein South Africa Bartender/Barback/Waitron, Sept. 1, 2014 - July 1, 2017
Magic's Tavern and Grill - Johannesburg South Africa Bar Manager/Bartender, Feb. 1, 2011 - April 1, 2014
Club 61 - Barcelona Lead mixologist, June 1, 2022 - Oct. 15, 2022
