KATHMANDU:

Bartending is not just about serving beverages in a bar. It is something more, something that is related with art, style, and a skill to entertain customers. And with a purpose to assist bartenders of the Capital better themselves at it, a five-day ‘Specialised Bartending Workshop’ was organised by Surya Nepal in association with Orchid Hotel and Training Institute (OHTI) at the Radisson Hotel, which ended on August 31.

The workshop mainly focused on theoretical knowledge on bartending and beverages, entertaining skills like juggling, making cocktails and handling difficult customers, among others. While Shubash Mali, Director, OHTI, gave lessons for the first five days, Irfan Ahmed

aka Cocktail King from Kolkata, who has conducted many bartending workshops and trainings in various places in and outside India, shared his 14 years of experience in the field on the last day.

Three best bartenders were selected at the end of the workshop from a total of 30 participants. Nir Bikram KC (Space Lounge Bar) managed to clinch the first position, while there was a tie for the second place between Sailendra Koirala (Rush Bar) and Mandeep Grewal (J Bar). The third place was bagged by Keshav Prasad Ghorasainee (1905 Grand Café). One got to see the winners show their bartending skills along with Ahmed later.

“I feel very elated. The way people here are trying to create a sense of togetherness among the bartenders will go a long way. Bartenders here are very passionate,” shared Ahmed.

“This is an attempt from our side to build relations with restaurants and bars, to show our appreciation for the works of bartenders,” explained Trade Marketing Development Manager of Surya Nepal, Ishwor Gautam.