Bartenders Business

Educating Bartenders Worldwide.

By Beverage Trade Network

Interviews

1494 Views

I’m Andrei Marcu and I am officially obsessed with my job

Photo for: I’m Andrei Marcu and I am officially obsessed with my job

24/01/2021 Sporting an all-rounder portfolio in the hospitality industry, Coupette’s bar manager Andrei Marcu makes a mark in the world of bartending.

Born in Bucharest, Romania, and now residing in London, Andrei Marcu has spent 10 years making his way through the hospitality industry. “During these years I have been working in every possible type of venue and role. From barista to a bartender in nightclubs, cocktail bars, and even beach bars to waiter to chef in a Michelin Restaurant” says Marcu. 

Andrei Marcu at the Coupette

Andrei Marcu at the Coupette

Over the years, he found his love for bartending, which brought him to his current job: Bar Manager at Coupette London. Andrei Marcu is also on the judging panel at the 2021 London Spirits Competition, where spirits are judged based on quality, value, and packaging. Today, Marcu talks about his journey as a bartender and shares some of the top tips that have helped him succeed as a bartender. 

Why did you want to become a bartender? 

“I always loved a good party. I thought I would turn something that I love into work, and that's how it all started. Then I started falling in love with cocktails and the creative process behind them. Now, I am officially obsessed with my job.”

According to you, how has the role of the Bartender evolved, especially during the Covid wave?

“Honestly, we are very volatile anyway. Unlike chefs, we can do everything around. I am not mocking chefs though. All I want to say is that we don't really stick with our roles, and we tend to go out of the box all the time. So I believe for us, it came naturally to improvise and find ways to keep our businesses afloat. We mostly moved into online trade, which is a bit of a new ground for us bartenders, but I find it pretty fun.”

What are some of the most important skills for a bartender to have?

“Personality. This is what I am looking for when we are hiring a new staff member. You can learn skills, recipes, spirits but personality, nope. Not a chance. And then I believe "reading the room" is the second most important skill. If you "read" your guests and understand their mood and their need at that point of their visit, you win. You can match them and make sure your guests will leave the venue happier than they were [when they walked in].”

The bar at Coupette London

The bar at Coupette London

What do you look for when planning to buy spirits for your bar?

“Usually, I am looking at what they give back to the world as a company in terms of sustainability, training, programs, and so on. Then flavour of course.”

What support programs work best for you from suppliers?

I like being part of healthy programs. As long as it is a smart idea and it works I am all in. 

What cocktails and drinks trends do you see in 2021?

Calvados and disco drinks for sure.

What's the best part of your job?

The creativity that comes with it and the connection with so many other industries. From the photo/video industry to music and entertainment, design, and so on.

If you had to pick one brand as your personal best, which would it be and why?

At the moment, Flor De Cana. Most sustainable brand in the world and a delicious product.

Safety essentials at Coupette London

Safety essentials at Coupette London

How are you marketing your bar to drive some foot traffic during covid-19?

We are promoting safety at our venue. I think making people feel safe when going out is the most important thing right now.

Any tips for new bartenders?

"Talk less and work more" - it's my favorite quote. I believe in hard work, dedication, and commitment. And also always be humble and don't judge your fellow bartenders, chefs, or venues.

Most Popular

Operations and Management

 Leadership In Crisis - What To Do

The pandemic is disrupting businesses all around. In this talk by Sid Patel, he tells you what a leader needs to do now and how to do it.

Suppliers Spotlight

Responsible Lee - Craft American whiskey producer

Responsible Lee is a craft American whiskey producer, dedicated to creating world class whiskey while living out our commitment to socially responsible business practices and environmentally sustainable practices.

Next Events

South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States.

Bartender Spirits Awards 2024

Register Now

Morgan MFG, 401 N Morgan St Suite #204A, Chicago IL 60642

USA Trade Tasting 2024

Register Now

South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States

USA Spirits Ratings 2024

Register Now

Relevant Articles

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to get our news in your email?

Register and receive our weekly resume of the Bartenders Business world.

Contact US

Want To Get In Touch!

Fill our Contact Form and let us know your thoughts and ideas.

Fill Our Contact Form

Post a job

WANT TO POST YOUR JOB REQUEST?

Register, post your job offers and get exposure.