Bartenders

Missy Flynn

Type

Bartenders

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

London. I lived all over the place as my parents ran pubs so got to see a lot of the city.

WHERE DO YOU/HAVE YOU WORKED?

I now work for myself, I co-own Rita's Bar and Dining with three of my good friends. . Before that I worked for Hawksmoor where I worked on the bar for a couple of years before moving to work on marketing and events. I've worked in loads of bars in London, notably Green and Red, 69 Colebrooke RowHappiness Forgets, Quo Vadis, ECC Chinatown, Allstar Lanes, Crazy Homies, Bar Off Broadway. I really learnt my trade at the Ben Crouch Tavern off Oxford Street though, making Adams Family themed test tube shots.

FAVORITE BARS?

I really really like proper dive bars, like the ones you get in the US where you can have a very nice cold beer and a shot for hardly any money and you get free cheesepuffs.  It's a shame London doesn't do them very well because it's my preferred way to drink. As far as 'proper' cocktail bars go I really like Rules, Happiness Forgets and the bar at Hawksmoor Spitalfields which is so beautiful. Hotel Del Mano in Brooklyn NYC is my favourite though, along with Maison Premiere. I'm obsessed with how they and everyone who works/hangs out in them looks. Hot.

FAVOURITE DRINK?

Frozen 'Ritas ;)  All year long.

What's next for you?

We are looking at moving Rita's to a new site later in the year, but before that  I intend on enjoying a well earned trip to Mexico. I'm also branching out into the coconut water world working to bring the Michelberger Fountain of Youth brand to London.

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

Not sure about lines, no one ever uses any on me :(

Tell us a secret or something we don't know?

According to Okcupid.com statistical research, people who wear braces and trilby hats do not make better lovers. Or cocktails.

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

Raspberry Flip with Dark Rum and Baileys. Unofficial name: Dark and boozy.

How do you like your Martini?

With gin, cold and in a glass will do!

What did you want to be as a kid?

I wanted to be a 'sweet shop lady' or a taxi driver. No idea why.