Bartenders eager to learn more skills

Greater interest is being shown by local bartenders and mixologists in knowing more about the skills needed to further excel in this profession.

Franklyn Parris, Founder of The Art of Bartending Training Seminars made this disclosure adding that there has been an increase in individuals signing up for the seminars since these were first offered three years ago.

“There is a desire for knowledge in Barbados especially in this field seeing that it is a popular activity… Bartenders are no longer interested in just pouring rum and coke and the public is now seeking more colourful or flavourful drinks when they go out so mixology is becoming a very prominent part of activities today. That is happening and we find that students now are seeking that knowledge to learn and be better at it than they were before.”

Parris was speaking at the Barbados Coalition of Services Industries’ (BCSI) Harbour Road location on Monday where a press conference was held to launch the eight-week training course which will commence next week.

Also addressing the press conference, spokesperson, Nathifa Headley pointed out that the “hands on practical course is designed to develop proficiency and competent cocktail bartenders. Working behind a fully equipped bar, students learn how to prepare shaken, stirred, strained and frozen cocktails simultaneously in a correct manner and with charisma.”

She further stated that some of the topics to be covered include liquor laws, responsible bar service, health and safety, basic operation management and the correct name and use of bar tools.

A component of the course also looks at the wines. Rym Riley, Division Manager for Stansfeld Scott and Company Limited who teaches this area said her company is “very proud to be associated with The Art of Bartending Seminars because I think they add so much to our tourism product because at the end of the day those bartenders are the face of an establishment. There are the people who are going to make the difference to an individual walking into a restaurant or a hotel.’’