The talented bartenders of Red Carnation
To mark World Bartender Day, we're highlighting our amazing Bar teams and the work they do across The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
21 Feb 2022
We caught up with a handful of our Bar Managers to learn about their favorite cocktail concoctions and hear what their positions within Red Carnation mean to them.
Xigera Safari Lodge, The Okavango Delta
What is your name?
Motlhopantsi, also known as ‘Tops’.
How long have you worked at Red Carnation Hotels?
I have worked at Red Carnation for one year now.
What is your favourite cocktail to make and why?
My favourite cocktail to make is ‘The Big Cat’s Pyjamas’. It’s colourful and vibrant and I love the play on words in the name, as we are in the bush surrounded by big cats.
What does Red Carnation Hotels mean to you?
Red Carnation means a lot to me. The level of service and the standards are set very high and I feel so proud to work for this company.
The Oyster Box, Durban
What is your name?
My name is Marvin.
How long have you worked at Red Carnation Hotels?
This year will be my fifth year with Red Carnation.
What is your favourite cocktail to make and why?
It would have to be ‘The Blush’ because the colour and taste are just amazing.
What does Red Carnation Hotels mean to you?
It’s a supportive company with a family feel. I have evolved so much since joining, and I really love working here.
The Twelve Apostles, Cape Town
What is your name?
My name is Prosper.
How long have you worked at Red Carnation Hotels?
I have worked at Red Carnation for ten years now.
What is your favourite cocktail to make?
I enjoy making the ‘Atlantic Sunset’ and the ‘French Connection’.
What does Red Carnation Hotels mean to you?
Red Carnation looks after their team members and they are always wanting to help us grow and evolve. They are very understanding and genuinely care about you.
Summer Lodge, Dorset
What is your name?
My name is Jonathann Cocogne.
How long have you worked at Red Carnation Hotels?
I’ve been working for Red Carnation and Uniworld as a head bartender and group bar consultant for the past 18 years.
What is your favourite cocktail to make and why?
My favourite cocktail at the moment is a highball full of ice, a shot of Umeshu plum Liqueur and a dash of homemade yuzu and blood orange kombucha shrub, topped up with our local, fermented kvas. This cocktail is low in alcohol and very refreshing.
What does Red Carnation Hotels mean to you?
What I love about Red Carnation is that as a head bartender I am lucky to have the freedom to be independent with my creativity and the selection of our bar products. This is particularly important for me to help develop my skills.
Hotel d’Angleterre, Geneva
What is your name?
My name is Danilo Alcamo.
How long have you worked at Red Carnation Hotels?
I have been with Red Carnation for four years.
What is your favourite cocktail to make and why?
I love a Negroni, as it reminds me of home.
What does Red Carnation Hotels mean to you?
Red Carnation gives me the feeling of being part of a large family. I feel valued and the company allows me to exercise my passion and progress every day whilst interacting with the international clientele of Hotel d’Angleterre.
The Milestone Hotel & Residences, London
What is your name?
Angelo Lo Greco.
How long have you worked at Red Carnation Hotels?
I have been working at The Milestone for 5 years now, and plan to stay a lot longer!
What is your favourite cocktail to make and why?
I love to create cocktails with unusual flavours.
What does Red Carnation Hotels mean to you?
I love Red Carnation because they have given me opportunities to grow professionally and personally.
The Chesterfield Mayfair, London
What is your name?
Adrian Ponte Manana
How long have you worked at Red Carnation Hotels?
I have been with Red Carnation for four years.
What is your favourite cocktail to make and why?
My favourite cocktail to make is the ‘Passion for Chillies’ because it is a nice combination of sweet and spicy flavours. The guests love it because it can be mild or really spicy - it's up to them!
The Egerton House Hotel, London
What is your name?
Sahbi Zguider
How long have you worked at Red Carnation Hotels?
I have worked with Red Carnation for 8 years and 8 months
What is your favourite cocktail to make and why?
My favourite cocktail to make is my own twist on the Vesper Martini - Egerton style! I love the combination of the gin and the vodka plus I like the complexity in the making and the taste of the cocktail. It is one of the most challenging cocktails for bartenders.
What does Red Carnation Hotels mean to you?
To me RCH means family, self-belief, hard work and success.