10 minutes with...
The Publican: What made you decide on bartending as a career?
Chris
As a youngster I was always down the pub with my dad and it was so welcoming and friendly that it made sense to go into it as a career. It's a nice place to be - like a home from home.
The Publican
What's your favourite bar and why?
Chris
A place I used to work in before coming to the Mall - it's called Amoeba and it's also in Clifton Village. For the memories!
The Publican
What do you think makes a good bartender?
Chris
Someone who is attentive and can read a customer - they've got to be able to build on what the customer knows and sell them something they might not have tried before but will enjoy. You have to be able to educate them and take them on a journey.
The Publican
What's your desert island drink?
Chris
Wine, maybe a nice chablis or sancerre - or if it was a cold desert island red, of course!
The Publican
What was the last text message you received and who was it from?
Chris
It said "Hi - how goes?" and it was from my dad checking up on how I'm doing here in the competition.
The Publican
What was the best piece of advice you ever received?
Chris
When you're behind the bar and you're having a bad day never let it show. If you're not smiling with your eyes its not going to work. And if you remember to do that it usually gets you out of your bad mood anyway.
The Publican
What would you save if your bar was on fire?
Chris
Our giant wooden monkey - he's white with a pink beard and he looks after lost property. He's part of the team!
The Publican
What would you do if you were Prime Minister for the day?
Chris
Introduce Go to the Pub Day… no… wait… that would mean more work for us behind the bar…
The Publican
You could introduce Barstaff Day Off the day after?
Chris
Brilliant! Yes that's exactly what I'd do.
The Publican
Who do you most admire?
Chris
Ryan Giggs. I think he's a legend. The ultimate professional.
The Publican
So how good is Pilsner Urquell really?
Chris
Genuinely really good! I'm an ale drinker but as soon as I tried it I could taste the craft and it made me drink lager again and think about it in a new way.
