from Hotelier Indonesia Magazine
April 2016
Antidote Bar - JW Marriott Hanoi
For many frequent travellers, a quality lounge serving signature cocktails is a highly desired feature within a hotel. The lounge and it’s quality service provide an opportunity for the weary traveller to unwind after a hectic day.
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| Hotelier Indonesia Magazine April 2016 |
We have been fortunate to spend time at the Antidote Bar at the JW Marriott in Hanoi and catch-up with Rocky Cuong, the property’s Bar Manager and mixologist.
[HI] Could you give us a bit of a background on your history in nightclubs? How did you end up as Bar Manager at the JW Marriott?
[RC] I had opportunity to work at Rooftop Bar and Fuse Club, two of the most popular night bars and clubs in Hanoi. They are Hip-hop night clubs, attracting young guests. Then I started my career at JW Marriott Hanoi as Assistant Bar Manager, gained promotion and here I am!
[HI] Is there a difference managing a standard nightclub and one at a 5-star hotel?
[RC] There is a big difference. Working in a bar/night club at 5-star hotel, I need to take care of each guest, ensuring total satisfaction. Everything must be perfect, the cocktail quality, service, etc. In a standard night club, the top priority is make the crowd crazy with music, everything else is complement.
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| Rocky Cuong Mixologist / Bar Manager - Antidote Bar |
[HI] What are the unique features of Antidote? What brings customers in?
[RC] Drawing inspiration from the modern sophistication, Antidote Bar is stylish with marble and black wood interior design scheme and direct view over the beautiful lake.
The bar offers a wide range of seating; you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in your own private booth, lounge on a sofa or sit at the bar where the talented mixologists will fix you up a classic cocktail or one of their signatures. As well as a carefully selected wine and spirit list, Antidote is home to over 80 whiskies – one of the most extensive collections in Vietnam. The interactive environment combined with intuitive service and resident DJs spinning beats throughout the weekend, Antidote Bar is a perfect place for relaxation, fine conversation and luxury indulge.
[HI] How do the customers at Marriott’s Antidote Bar differ from those at other nightclubs?
[RC] They are a little more mature compared to the clubs down town and have solid beverage knowledge. They know what they like to drink!
[HI] What involvement do you have in creating new cocktails?
[RC] We work together as a team to come up with ideas then work on the specs. As much as possible we try to give a local touch to classics.
[HI] What are your favorite signature drink selections from the Antidote menu, and what goes into making them?
[RC] I really enjoy “Breakfast in Antidote”. It’s a refreshing and fruity cocktail mixing from local oranges and Earl Grey tea. To make the best “Breakfast in Antidote” we need to infuse the exact amount of Earl Grey Tea
[HI] What do you enjoy most about your job?
[RC] Seeing customers smile and enjoy their drinks. Simple.
[HI] What qualities do you think a successful hotel Bar Manager should have?
[RC] First and foremost you need passion. Throw in some creativity, ability to work in a large team and a little patience and you’re half way there. Working in hotels offers you much great opportunities than stand-alone bars so if you are driven then you have the chance to grow your career much quicker than may otherwise be possible.
Hotelier Indonesia would like to thank Rocky for taking time to speak with us.
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