Say hello👋 to Jack Nelson, Bar Supervisor for Roka Restaurants Aldwych & Hubertus Circle Member, and our exceptional #FaceOfTheWeek!
Beginning his journey at Roka in 2023, Jack has worked his way up to his current role as Bar Supervisor, alongside running the cocktail development at their sister venue Inko Nito.
Speaking on his love for the industry, Jack shares, “The people you meet, I know it sounds cliché. Being a part of Jägermeister UK's Hubertus Circle in particular has given me an insight into people that share my passion. Not only can I learn and grow from them, but I have made lifelong friends I can spend my off-time with. It has made my career that much more special.”
The future looks bright for Jack as he shares his short and long-term goals, “My short term is working my way to Head Bartender with Roka. I’ve fallen in love with the company during my year working here and alongside having the opportunities to put my ideas in place, having the option to share what our sites have to offer with more people is something I would love.
“Long-term, I follow the same dreams of many: I would love to open my own bar when it gets to a point where I’ve learned enough that this big city could give me. While it feels like a long way away, the people I’m meeting and the opportunities that are emerging are preparing me for it every day.”
Delving into what, in his opinion, makes an exceptional hospitality professional, Jack explains, “Someone who understands why people enter our venues. Someone who knows that we, as alcohol wizards, must be striving to make an experience that much more special every single day. It’s not all about speed of service, a fair majority of the time it’s more about your personal one-on-one interactions.
“With practice, anyone can make an excellent daiquiri in a minute, but it means nothing if your guests don’t enjoy themselves. Whip out the dad jokes if you want a cheat code though.”
To conclude, Jack shares some words of advice to fellow hospitality professionals, “The real reason we get into this is for the guests we meet and look after - not just to impress other bartenders. Many high-profile people I know who have been at this for decades admit they have to google a spec now and then... Focus on your guests and everything else will fall into place.
“Meet people, build on your "bar personality", and know what you want out of this. If you want to go to bar seminars and shout out answers to prove you know it already, then go ahead. But if you want a respected career, the key is the people you serve. Keep at it; you’re gonna get it. I hope to meet you at the spot when I get there too ❤️”
Keep growing! 👏🏽