Up Close & Personal: Guoyi Gan and Indra Kantono, Jigger & Pony Group

The second instalment of our new video series sees us talking to Guoyi Gan and Indra Kantono, co-founders of Jigger & Pony Group. They share their past management mishaps, why they don’t like rules, and always remembering that a bar is a business
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The future is yours to create: Joel PoonJoel Poon is a seasoned hospitality professional and creative force behind Reka:Bar in Kuala Lumpur. With a background in Hospitality Management and a passion for taking care of people, Joel blends technical precision with heartfelt storytelling in every drink he creates. Known for his curiosity, mentorship, and drive to constantly evolve, he’s a respected voice […]

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The future is yours to create: Ruka HattoriRuka Hattori is a bartender from Japan known for her thoughtful, story-driven cocktails that blend cultural tradition with modern creativity. Her approach to hospitality is personal and precise, always centered on making genuine connections with her guests. With a quiet confidence, she brings a unique voice to the international bartending scene. A little bit about […]

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The future is yours to create: Heng LyheangHeng Lyheang is a passionate bartender from Cambodia whose journey into hospitality began with a spark of inspiration at a high school graduation party. Growing up in an NGO, he discovered bartending as a creative outlet and a way to connect with people from all walks of life. Today, he channels that early motivation into […]

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The future is yours to create: Vandena YanartaVandena is the Bar Manager of Club Soda Canggu and a proud Balinese native whose passion for hospitality was sparked by the film Cocktail. Known for his warmth, creativity, and deep respect for nature, he brings soulful storytelling and environmental consciousness into his work behind the bar. His journey reflects a blend of island spirit, […]

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The future is yours to create: Ahe LiAhe Li is a passionate bartender from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, known for his joyful spirit and thoughtful creativity behind the bar. A proud member of Roma Roma, an Italian-style pizzeria bar, Ahe brings warmth, curiosity, and storytelling into every cocktail he creates. His work reflects a blend of Taiwanese heart and Italian inspiration, making each drink […]

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The future is yours to create: Sahil EssaniSahil Essani is a bartender, mentor, and storyteller whose journey into the drinks world began with a summer gig and evolved into a full-fledged calling. Known for his thoughtful approach and passion for community, Sahil blends science, creativity, and cultural narrative behind the bar. Representing India at the Campari Red Hands competition, he brought both […]
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Up Close & Personal: Missy Flynn, Rita’sThe third interviewee of our video series is Missy Flynn, co-owner of Rita’s in London’s Soho. She lays bare the business’s early problems, the implications it has had on who she trusts, and the reality of running your own restaurant

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Up Close & Personal: Sly AugustinIn the first of our new series, we talk to Sly Augustin, owner of London’s Trailer Happiness, about the ins and outs of running a bar business, how he deals with failure and setbacks, and what he wish he’d known before becoming a bar owner

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How Aki Wang is Leading Taiwan’s Bartending CommunityOne of the Asia’s bartending greats, Aki Wang, founder of Indulge Life Hospitality Group, is consistently advocating for Taiwan’s bar industry to push its limits. He shares his insight and experience on what local culture could provide to the international bartending arena In 2007, Aki Wang had just won one of the biggest cocktail competitions […]

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The future is yours to create: Maite CabreraOur sixth bartender in our series is Chile’s Maite Cabrera. Currently travelling around Europe, Cabrera talks about constantly learning, why a fair wage matters, and having a legacy of making bartending fun A little bit about me I am 28 years old, I’m from Chile and I’ve always been interested in everything around food and beverages. […]

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Jean Trinh talks human sustainability, community and being fearlessDuring the pandemic, Jean Trinh turned the role of a bar leader on its head. The founder of Alquímico explains why caring for a community drives everything he does in his business – and how it taught him not to fear anything Don’t get me wrong, I love Paris, where I’m from. But the thing […]

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The future is yours to create: Keith MotsiKeith Motsi, head bartender at VIRTÙ and head of beverage operations at Four Seasons Hotel Toyko at Otemachi is the sixth in our series. He tells us how he loves to see other people flourish, why the term ‘role model’ has become obsolete, and what we should encourage the next generation to do A little […]