Hospitality 3
HOSPITALITY NEWS FROM HOUSE OF SUNTORY
HOUSE OF SUNTORY ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF
THE DOJO ADVOCACY PROGRAMME
Built with the hospitality community in mind, the DOJO programme will immerse bartenders in the art of Japanese bartending through culturally immersive and educational sessions
London, 5th May 2022 – The House of Suntory has announced the return of its highly successful advocacy programme for the third year running, set to educate bartenders on their premium portfolio of Japanese premium sprits: Roku gin, Haku vodka and Toki and Hibiki whiskies. Kicking off in June 2022, the DOJO programme aims to deepen bartenders’ understanding of the philosophies behind the art of Japanese bartending.
The DOJO Academy and DOJO Senpai together form the full programme for DOJO this year. The DOJO Academy will provide 50 bartenders with insights from Japanese Craft Masters which can be applied to strengthen any hospitality career. Authentic Japanese Masters of Craft will host four modules over two “Monozukuri Masterclasses” in July and September, led by James Bowker, House of Suntory’s Brand Ambassador, which will immerse bartenders the craftsmanship, techniques and culture of bartending in Japan.
James and the Masters will also offer 25 bartenders a unique opportunity to take part in the DOJO Senpai program. This separate, elevated program provides bartenders with growth and development opportunities across a six-month period. A Senpai welcome lunch will be held in May 2022 to introduce the program and the House of Suntory spirits portfolio before a series of “Monozukuri Masterclasse”s which will run from June until September.
Each masterclass will take place at Japan House in London and the bespoke Japanese inspired sessions will be centred around the three pillars of House of Suntory: WA (being in harmony with Japanese nature), Monozukuri (traditional Japanese principles of craftsmanship) and Omotenashi (authentic Japanese hospitality). The “Monozukuri Masterclasses” will focus on:
- Sushi and Seasoning – A masterclass on balance and seasoning, including a Haku tasting
- Ikebana and Aesthetics – A masterclass spotlighting the art of Ikebana flower arranging and how to adapt it to cocktail garnishing, focused on Japanese aesthetics and beauty. The session also includes a Roku tasting
- Kaiseki and Psychology – A masterclass teaching the skills and techniques behind traditional multi-course Japanese dining. The session will also include a tasting of the blending components of Toki
- Chadō and Hospitality – A masterclass in Japanese hospitality, explored via the traditional Tea Ceremony, including an in-depth tasting of Hibiki
Additionally, inspired by the concept of Kaizen – “continual improvement” – participants will apply this concept via Kaizen Challenges over the duration of the summer. This will involve participants showcasing their newfound skills and applying them to a classic cocktail, selected prior to the first masterclass.
As part of this challenge, those who demonstrate the art of refinement and continuous improvement during the masterclasses will be invited to the DOJO Finale, taking place in November. The finale will bring together finalists from the DOJO Academy and DOJO Senpai programmes to take part in one last competition, hosted by James Bowker and famed Bar Master Hidetsugu Ueno of Bar High Five in Tokyo. At the end of the Masterclass, the group will present their Kaizen Classic to Hidetsugu Ueno, James Bowker and peers, with two lucky bartenders winning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan.
Throughout the year there will also be several Japanese inspired DOJO mini events held in different London locations, including Japanese tea tasting and a Kanpai sake brewery tour.
Commenting on the return of DOJO for the third year running, James Bowker, Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory, said: “We’re extremely delighted to bring back DOJO for a third year, and this time, we’re back in person after two years of virtual sessions. Japanese food and drink remain the UK’s fastest growing sector in hospitality (CGA Report 2021) and following a challenging period in our industry, the programme aims to motivate bartenders through incomparable experiences and authentic Japanese bar training.
Those taking part will develop new ways to bring creativity to the art of Japanese bartending and gain unique insights into creating better guest experiences. I am really looking forward to welcoming the future DOJO ambassadors to our close-knit, yet growing community.”
For more information on DOJO, please visit www.suntorydojo.com
EDRINGTON UK MIXES UP LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK
EDRINGTON UK TO HOST A MONTH OF EVENTS FOR THE TRADE AS PART OF LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK
As the hospitality industry continues to open back up, Edrington UK and London Cocktail Week will host a series of unique events dedicated to the hospitality industry throughout October.
London, UK., Tuesday 14th September 2021 – Edrington UK has announced a series of unique workshops and events dedicated to the trade across London this October as part of London Cocktail Week. With the hospitality industry continuing to open, the workshops and events have been designed for those working at the forefront of the bar and hospitality industry. The programme will champion the incredible world-class skill at the heart of UK bartending, host training sessions and insights from industry experts, and provide support during what continues to be a tricky time in hospitality.
Events include:
Tending to the Tenders: Lyaness
This year, Tending to the Tenders will move from Shoreditch to the South Bank, but the message to the trade remains the same – ‘come hang out!’. Maker’s Mark and the team at Lyaness, Sea Containers London, have partnered to create a community space that’s focused on great food, delicious cocktails, wellness, and mental health.
Overlooking the Thames in the heart of the city, Tending to the Tenders will offer a beautiful setting to escape, relax and recharge during this hectic month. And, most importantly, it’s all FREE; the cocktails, the food, the massages, the interactive sessions, the yoga and the cinema nights.
Open every Monday from 12pm to 4pm throughout October, guests are encouraged to swing by to grab some lunch, a drink and a chill at any time. There will also be different activities taking place in the hotel throughout the month which are bookable via the London Cocktail Week website.
Location: Lyaness, 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
Dates: 1st October – 31st October, every Monday 12-4pm
Booking link: https://londoncocktailweek.
Laphroaig at The Gibson
Since 1815, Laphroaig has cemented its place as one of the world’s most iconic single malts, epitomised by its intensely smoky characteristics and legions of steadfast fans.
Laphroaig’s no.1 fan and all-round whisky specialist, David Miles, will be talking all things Peat, Heat, Sour and Sweet alongside Marian Beke at the world-famous The Gibson bar. Guests will taste delicious Laphroaig drams and cocktails paired with some of the world’s weirdest tropical fruits for an intense and interesting tasting experience.
For the duration of each tasting, Marian will impart knowledge and answer questions about his role heading up this world-famous cocktail bar.
Location: The Gibson, 44 Old Street, EC1V 9AQ
Dates: 1st October – 31st October, every Tuesday 12-2pm
Booking link: https://londoncocktailweek.
Maker’s Mark x Tayēr + Elementary Workshops
Tayēr + Elementary, a bar of two halves from a world-famous duo, will be joined by Maker’s Mark over the course of London Cocktail Week to provide unique, one-off trade workshops.
Starting with a masterful workshop on Wednesday 6 October, guests will be able to purchase tickets and join the world-renowned bar team at Tayēr + Elementary and Maker’s Mark to introduce how to use the rotary evaporator and learn first-hand how to achieve more delicate flavour profiles and aromas.
The following week, a practical workshop on how to upcycle glassware. This workshop will offer trade tips and tricks on the best way to fix glassware in a mission to reduce waste. For businesses looking to make moves towards becoming more sustainable, this session, hosted on Wednesday 13 October between 1-3pm, is not one to miss.
With an optimistic look ahead for the hospitality industry, during the third week of London Cocktail Week, bartenders are invited to introduce bar economics. From costing to price strategy and bar finances, this insightful workshop is geared towards helping the trade prepare for a normal return.
Rounding off the four-week event, Tayēr + Elementary and Maker’s Mark are offering an introduction to fermentation. With the ability to change and preserve ingredients, this workshop will demonstrate the most common methods used for drinks and showcase how fermentation can transform flavours.
Location: Tayēr + Elementary, 152 Old St, EC1V 9BW
Dates: Wednesday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th October, 1-3pm
Booking links: https://resy.com/cities/ldn/
London Cocktail Week is running from Friday 1 – Sunday 31 October.
For more information or tickets, visit londoncocktailweek.com.
Brugal Rum Appoints UK Brand Ambassador
JAMIE CAMPBELL APPOINTED BRUGAL 1888 UK BRAND AMBASSADOR
Tuesday, 10th August 2021, London: Edrington UK today announces that Jamie Campbell has been appointed Brugal 1888’s UK Brand Ambassador.
With over ten years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Jamie has considerable knowledge working with luxury spirit portfolios as a brand builder.
Through his culinary and cocktail skills, Jamie creates engaging environments for consumers and the trade to thrive in. Now, as UK Brand Ambassador, Jamie will work closely with the on-trade and luxury retail outlets across the country to promote the Brugal brand and the super-premium Rum category, via consumer masterclasses and cocktail workshops to showcase the warm and welcoming nature of Brugal 1888.
Prior to his recent appointment, Jamie was Brand Experience Manager for the Lucas Bols range of Liqueurs and Genever, where he worked to grow the brand to become the No.1 Liqueurs Range in the UK On-Trade.
As the face of the Brugal brand in the UK, Jamie is dedicated to helping the brand achieve its goal of being a leading spirit for all drinking occasions and to becoming the No.1 Super-Premium Rum.
The appointment comes at a critical time for the on-trade as it slowly but surely shifts into pre-pandemic practice. Commenting on the appointment, Chris Anderson, Head of Brands at Edrington UK said: “Consumers in both the on and off-trade are keen to explore exciting categories as well as investing in more premium spirits to mark occasions which were missed during the pandemic. Now is an incredible time for Jamie to enter his new role as he’ll be able to continue shaping this newly established consumer behaviour.”
Commenting on his new role, Jamie stated: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Brugal 1888’s Brand Ambasador for the UK. I’ve always been passionate about Rum and we’re really beginning to see a shift in its popularity and how it is enjoyed in the UK. Although we may relate Rum to hotter climates, I’m excited to show our consumers that it can be both beautifully mixed to create cocktails perfect for all occasions or simply enjoyed neat.”
Jamie’s signature Brugal 1888 serve is the Dominican Double which mixes Brugal 1888, Briotette Crème de Banane and Dry Vermouth to create a balanced, ‘nearly neat’ cocktail that showcases the elegant flavour and complexity of the double aged rum.
For further information visit https://www.brugal-rum.com/en
