I am the famous Steve the Barman. At the time of writing, a 37 year old veteran of the Cocktail and Bar scene. My cuddly persona, cheeky smile, my AMAZING Wardrobe filled with crazy Shirts…and award winning brand of Wind Ups and Sarcasm are what set me apart from many Guys and Gals behind the stick.
I was born and bred down in Cornwall and that will always be my spiritual home…I’m definitely a Beach/Water guy…but I’ve lived up in Cambridgeshire for 25 odd years. My whole working life has been spent in Pubs, Bars and Restaurants ever since I turned 18. I never went to Uni. Instead, I went into Pub Management during my A Levels as an 18yo! I went from Greene King to Cambridge University, to a few independent venues, to finally setting up Thirst First.
My Cocktail Training actually came from London. As a 20/21 year old, I really wanted to learn. I bought books and read recipes, but at the time there were no decent Bars in Cambridge to hone my skills. So I managed to get a few Volunteer gigs on my days off in the big smoke. For 5 or 6 months I did it for free, but the knowledge I gained was superb. Sadly, those Bars don’t exist now…but the memories live on!
My Philosophy on Life;
If it ain’t fun, it ain’t worth doing!
For me now, it’s all about working to live and creating memories. I do love the Hospitality trade, but working Every Friday to Sunday, Christmas and Easter for years on end, does come hard. Now I have that luxury to just say No. Today is a fun day! I have that luxury to close down over the Christmas Holidays! I had 3 weeks off last Christmas and it was probably the most relaxed and fun Christmas I’d ever had!
My Mission;
Well have 2!!!
Firstly, to outlaw the word Mixologist. It’s a poncey name. We’re all Bartenders. Some have different passions to others, granted. I’m not interested in creating Tomato & Basil Spheres for a Bloody Mary. Yeah it’s cool, I can’t deny that, but that’s not what you guys really want.
Secondly, I love giving you guys some “Drinkspiration”. Amazing drinks that you can make at home with ingredients you can get from your local supermarket!
Thirst First
Thirst First (or Thirsty for short) is in its 3rd year. Fresh enough to still be the cool new kid on the block, but experienced enough to be one of the best in the Biz. All of us Mobile Bars should be professional, experienced and have amazing Customer service. That’s a given isn’t it? If its not, you’re in the wrong Business. What I care about is YOU. I go that extra mile. I only use top notch ingredients. We don’t compromise. Don’t believe me?! Well then check out our reviews. See when you care about the person you’re serving as much as I do, then you can afford to brag about the feedback I get.
After spending years pouring nothing but Pernod Ricard brands…Havana, Beefeater, Absolut…I wanted something a little different for Thirsty. So I have started working with Maxxium. They’re super cool and have some amazing brands…and some really fun ones too. My core brands are Stolichnaya, No3 Gin, Brugal Rum and Jim Beam. But then I also get to play with Midori, Galliano and Sourz too! It’s the Brands that you guys love. It’s the Brands that put the smiles on your faces. And it’s the Brands that make some really cool drinks. Couple that to my favourite Juice brand, Eager…who make 100% pressed and squeezed juices, with no concentrate…then I can’t help but make you Awesome Drinks!
Question I get asked the most; “Do you juggle Bottles?”
Nope, I’m not a circus act. I entertain people by making tasty drinks instead.
To be honest, I’ve never tried. What put me off was years ago when I was working in a very busy Bar. I had a dude on the station next to me juggling bottles. He was brilliant. But the customers in front of him just wanted a drink. Their faces told a thousand words. Flairing is Cool. Serving people fast is way cooler!
Weapon of choice;
Rum. No, Vodka…ooo no, Tequila. Actually, no it has to be Rum. I couldn’t live without a Dark and Stormy or a Spicey Stormy!!
What do I do outside of #ThirstyWorld?
Well gone are the days of following Liverpool all over Europe with my trusty Season Ticket. Now I have found a new Home. I LOVE NETWORKING…4Networking to be precise.
I’ve been a member of 4N for 18 months or so now. Attended nearly 200 meetings up and down the UK. (Here’s my profile!) For me getting 25+ businesses together in a room, sharing, collaborating and helping each other is an amazing feeling. I don’t use Networking to sell my Business. Yes it helps build my brand and I’m now known nationally in 4Networking, but I’ve found that because I’ve done everything myself for my Business, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help others grow and be successful. I’m not an expert by any means, but I do know a lot of stuff that a lot of people probably don’t!
Blogtails... 