PRIYANKA BLAH

• Founder of The Dram Attic

• Hospitality Coach

• Independent Consultant for Emerging Spirit Brands
  Bar World 100 Most Influential

• Academy Chair – World’s 50 Best Bars

I sit down with Priyanka Blah, to discuss her take on the industry.

Priyanka is a beverage industry veteran from Bangalore, India, who has been active for over 15 years.

Priyanka shares her experiences and challenges of promoting South Asian bartenders and bars, as well as her role as a hospitality coach.

We chat about preconceived notions about these regions, the importance of social media in boosting local talent, and her strategies for maintaining health and wellbeing while traveling.

She also emphasizes the need for more guest-focused hospitality and chats through how she got to where she is today.

Let's give South Asian bars and cocktail culture the recognition they deserve!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:23 Guest Background and Career Journey01:15 Spotlighting South Asian Bars02:35 Challenges and Misconceptions06:10 Hospitality Coaching and Consulting08:09 Travel Experiences and Health Tips14:46 Building a Personal Brand18:40 Women in the Whiskey Industry22:29 Hospitality Industry Insights30:45 Quickfire Questions and Fun Stories36:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Find Priyanka here:

The Dram Attic

Instagram

Linkedin

Global Bar Ambassador for Mirror Bar in Bratislava and Author of The Cocktail Balance & The Cocktail Balance 2.0 Stanislav Harcinik is the global bar ambassador for Mirror Cocktail Bar in Bratislava, Slovakia. Not only is he representing his bar on a global scale, but he is also an author of two industry books. Stan shares his journey from a novice with no background in hospitality to a leading figure in the industry. Based in Bratislava, Slovakia, Stan discusses his dual roles, creating educational resources through his platform, Cocktail Balance, and offering insights into the work he has done at Mirror Bar. Years of relentless hard work, learning, and why he is passing on knowledge to the next generation. Touched by personal experiences and the impact of social media, Stanislav also addresses the trends he hopes to see more in cocktails and life. This episode is a testament to his philosophy: 'Learn, grow, and pass it on,' and his unwavering belief that genuine effort will eventually yield rewards. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:43 Stanislav's Background and Roles 03:04 Journey into Hospitality 06:45 Challenges and Realizations 09:08 Balancing Studies and Bartending 10:25 Family Reactions and Support 12:27 Path to Becoming a Global Ambassador 16:17 Recognition and Achievements 20:41 The Role of Global Ambassador 27:52 Challenges of Promoting Slovakian Bars 31:57 Cocktail Balance Books 32:41 Reflecting on the Journey of Writing 33:24 The Philosophy of Cocktail Balance 34:58 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge 36:37 Mentorship and Overcoming Fear 42:39 Future Plans and Industry Contributions 48:04 Quick Fire Questions and Personal Stories 58:13 Final Thoughts and Legacy

The Journey of Thomas Opie: It all started with Passionfruit Mojitos In this episode, Thomas Opie shares his journey from being an inexperienced bartender who lied on his resume to becoming a renowned bartender, photographer, and drink innovator.

Thomas talks about his initial struggles, the pivotal moments in his career, and the people who have inspired and supported him. He shares anecdotes about his experiences working at various prestigious bars, his travel adventures for bartending competitions, and the personal philosophies that influence his work.

Thomas also discusses the importance of mental health, physical fitness, and the evolving relationship with alcohol in his life and hospitality career. 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:40 Starting at The Waratah 02:09 Early Bartending Days 03:43 Passion for Bartending 04:56 Impact of COVID-19 07:35 Competitions and Travels 11:20 Fan Moments 14:26 Training and Mentorship 22:10 Mental Health in Hospitality 22:54 Exploring the Beauty of High Beach 23:16 Transforming Relationship with Alcohol 25:42 The Power of Ice Baths and Wim Hof 28:06 Balancing Work and Personal Life 31:37 Quick Fire Questions: Drinks and Venues 34:33 Trends in the Hospitality Industry 37:05 In the Weeds: Bartending Challenges 39:45 Hospo Horror Stories 42:36 Leaving a Legacy in Hospitality