Bartenders

Joseph Akhavan

Type

Bartenders

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I was born in Brighton, UK and raised in Paris, but my heart belongs somewhere between Hong-Kong and New Jersey.

WHERE DO YOU/HAVE YOU WORKED?

I work (and I mean WORK) at Mabel - Cocktail Den/Rum Empire, Paris. My own bar.

FAVORITE BARS?

I love bars that give you an experience, whatever it is... drinks are important but the service is also very important. So is the music, the glassware, the napkins... It's a whole. Mabel is my all-time favourite but that's a given. My favourite bars around the world are: -Mace, NYC (where drinks are actually outstanding.) -M Bar @ Mandarin Oriental, Hong-Kong that will give you the most beautiful view over the Hong Kong bay from the top of the building. Priceless. -Artesian at the Langham, London. Great drinks. Nice atmosphere. Lovely service.

FAVOURITE DRINK?

Damoiseau 1980 Full Proof (Velier Bottling)

Bad ass barman/rock n roll moment?

Serving drinks to Jessica Alba. Having four colleague waitresses run up to the bar, shout my name and lift up their shirts, during service.

Ever done it on a bar?

Are you at least going to buy me a drink first?

What's next for you?

Well, we opened Mabel less than a year ago so my focus is on what's next. It's been a pretty hectic year but there's more to come, I promise. In the meantime, next is breakfast.

Best/worst chat up lines you've heard at a bar?

Best: "I don't bite... unless it's called for" (although I realise it was taken from a Lauren Bacall movie) And most recently: "Have you ever done it on a bar?" Worst: "You look sad. Can I buy you a drink?"

If you were to make a barchick cocktail, what would you put in it?

"Hot Like A BarChick" 60ml Teeling Irish Whiskey Rhum Cask Finish 120ml Innis & Gunn "Rum Cask" Strong Ale 60ml Smoked Quince Puree 30ml Galangal-Turmeric Cordial Bring all ingredients to a simmer. Pour into a Mug Garnish: Spice Dust (Turmeric/Nutmeg/Galangal/Tonka) Serve with a fortune cookie. Wanna know what it says?

How do you like your Martini?

I like it with sweet vermouth. And switch the clear spirit with aged rum.

What did you want to be as a kid?

Batman Kung-Fu Millionnaire (basically earning millions just for kicking asses but still looking sharp) or professional Tennis player.