What do you think is the future of guest shifts?īeckaly: Any answer to this would be mere speculation. This would be a massive undertaking and I am still working out the details, but it would definitely be fun! We could each recreate our own distinct atmosphere and environments in each other’s bars. How do the takeovers at Lobster Bar differ from the original bar?īob: At first we focussed on the bartenders themselves, but one idea I’ve had is to do a total bar takeover, where we would swap the whole Lobster Bar team for the whole guest team. It brings about a more dynamic bar scene and culture locally, creating a community among the guests – not just those in the industry. After domestic guest shifts, I’ve had many of our regular guests search out and visit the guest bartenders’ bars. In turn, our guests and supporters get a glimpse and literal taste of what the guest bartender and their bar have to offer. By inviting bartenders from other local bars, their regular guests and supporters get to discover our bar too, which they might have never known about or thought to visit. I think it’s what makes the community stronger. I am a big believer in promoting local talent before looking elsewhere. Hong Kong is the perfect example, as it has amazingly skilled bartenders, but sometimes we get carried away, forgetting or are unable to see what we have right in front of us. We all wanted to introduce our customers and bar team to the best the world has to offer – but doing so also made us forget local talent. Why?īob: Pre-COVID-19, I feel like we were always looking to invite famous bartenders – and the reasoning behind it is valid. You were hosting domestic takeovers at Lobster Bar pre-COVID-19. Even domestically you can take this show on the road. As a bar we want to show that we are never a one trick Ponty pony. What are you hoping to achieve from The Pontiac takeover personally and as a bar?īeckaly: We are hoping to reach a larger audience for both venues. In that way, the experience will hopefully be even more transformative and give the guests an opportunity to look back and reflect on their city, their home. Instead of having just our “black disco ball” atmosphere, we will literally be looking over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, which is a living and breathing disco ball in its own right. How will The Pontiac at Aqua takeover differ from the original bar?īeckaly: First and foremost, the space itself is different. It brought our whole industry much closer together, sharing more experiences and knowledge with each other. Inviting a guest bartender meant showcasing new bartending styles and drinks, which would inevitably influence not only the customer, but the hosting bar team as well. We have been able to reach, invest in and learn about so many emerging countries and hospitality scenes through this medium.īob: I think they were an amazing way for our industry to learn, share and inspire. For me, guest shifts and takeovers have been a vital way to transfer The Pontiac experience. When viewed in that way, guest shifts can become less than novelty. Is it valid to suggest they are primarily for bartenders to peacock and the industry to get their rocks off? Sure. What were your thoughts on guest shifts pre-COVID-19?īeckaly: Guest shifts are what you make them to be. Having been quick to act, the city is returning to a sense of normality after a period that involved social distancing rules and various business closures that meant bars had to close for five weeks.Īs the city begins to rouse, we take a look at the potential merit of domestic guest shifts and takeovers, speaking to Beckaly Franks – who is bringing her bar The Pontiac from Soho to Aqua Spirit in Tsim Sha Tsui – and Bob Lousion, who had Hong Kong bartenders behind the stick of Lobster Bar pre-COVID-19, and plans to continue. By Holly Graham.Īfter the outbreak of COVID-19 in mainland China, Hong Kong was one of the first cities to be hit with the virus in mid-January. As one of the first cities in Asia outside of mainland China to resume some normality during the pandemic, Hong Kong is leading the charge in domestic guest shifts and takeovers.
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