Late Night London are our fabulous drinks sponsor at the London Christmas Party Show. With nearly 20 venues spanning across the city they have a number of talented mixologists working as part of their team. We caught up with one such Mixologist, Romeo Manasturean to ask him about the world of Mixology and find out what drew him to the London cocktail scene.

You can meet the Late Night London Team on 4-5 May at 8 Northumberland Avenue for our show. Click here to register for your free ticket.

Name: Romeo Manasturean
Job Title: Mixologist
Company: Late Night London

1. What is a Mixologist?
Mixologists are without a doubt, incredibly creative individuals with an extensive knowledge and passion for the alcohol and drinks industry. You know the latest news about drinks and constantly bring new ideas to the table to improve the customer experience. A mixologist is responsible for creating and perfecting cocktails at their bar and restaurant.

2. Did you know this was something you always wanted to do?

I realised my passion for mixology when I entered a competition to create an original cocktail. I researched the art of mixology in preparation, which helped me win the competition! After I understood more about mixology, I continued the journey, enhancing my education by learning the chemical composition around cocktail creation.

3. What are your favourite spirits/ingredients for a cocktail?

It’s hard to choose a favourite. What I look for? Ingredients that require a challenge and that take a little bit of a hustle to achieve an excellent result.

4. How do you get inspiration for new drinks/cocktails?

The guests who come into my bar of course! I like to have my guests intrigued and surprised by the presentation of a cocktail.

5. What do you love most about your job?

Information is the key! I love the research, testing and getting creative behind the bar. This is what I love about it, and it’s important for cocktail development. Every day I discover something new to incorporate.

6. What is the hardest part of your job?

It’s hard when you’re unable to make someone a specific drink due to lacking an ingredient or spirit that the customer is after.

7. Why have you chosen London to base yourself as a Mixologist?

I have chosen London because it is home to some of the most beautiful cocktail bars in the world and the place for the most awarded cocktail bars in the world. If I want to improve myself as a mixologist, I have to meet more experienced mixologists that have the same passion like me and who I can continue to learn from.

8. What is London’s cocktail scene like?

One word: vibrant. The city of London is filled with incredible cocktail bars and people looking for a high quality cocktail. People who enjoy cocktails are always on the lookout for something new to try in addition to their favourites. It’s a fresh, vibrant scene.

9. If you weren’t working in London what other city in the world would you like to work in?

I love the states, so New York or Chicago. If I could speak Russian, I would love to work in Mendeleev Bar.

10. Any advice for someone wanting to get into the industry?

The best advice I can give is that you must be passionate. Be prepared to lose days and nights working to bring to life the best experiences for your customers.

11. And finally a question we ask all our experts, our next show is based around Christmas. What is your favourite Christmas food?

Roasted Duck and vegetables coated with a delicious sauce on top to flavour alongside a good Californian red wine.

You can meet the Late Night London Team and find out about their venues at the London Christmas Party Show taking place on 4-5 May at 8 Northumberland Avenue. click here to register for your free ticket to the event.