Lilian Sausset is an innovator in the world of mixology whose journey is nothing short of remarkable. With an innate passion for creativity, Lilian has redefined what it means to work in the bar world, merging artistry and precision to craft unforgettable experiences. His work transcends the bar, offering guests moments that are as innovative as they are immersive, and he remains one of the most compelling figures in the luxury cocktail scene.
CLAP: A Taste of the Extraordinary
CLAP is an experience that pushes the boundaries of dining and mixology. Proudly Lebanese-owned and seamlessly blending Japanese influences with contemporary flair, each CLAP location offers an environment that is equal parts vibrant and sophisticated. From the bold, unexpected flavours on the menu to the captivating ambience, CLAP is a celebration of culinary and creative excellence that leaves a lasting impression.
We caught up with Lilian Sausset to find out more.
How did it all start?
My passion for bartending began in my teenage years, at the age of 16. At the time, I was also pursuing studies in landscape architecture and playing handball at the national level, with aspirations of going professional. The turning point came when my father, who worked as head of security at a nightclub, began taking me with him on weekends. I found myself behind the bar, preparing simple drinks like gin and tonic or whiskey and coke alongside the bartenders.
I’ve always been someone who gives 300% to everything I take on and am deeply passionate about my pursuits. Unfortunately, a knee injury ended my dreams of enrolling in a professional university programme that combined my sports career with my landscape architecture studies. Despite this setback, I realised my true calling was bartending. I dreamed of travelling to New York City to work at places like The Dead Rabbit or exploring the Caribbean cocktail scene in Cuba.
Breaking the news to my parents that I wanted to leave my studies to become a bartender was a challenge. They had invested significant time and resources into my education. Nevertheless, I was determined. I sent applications to 200–300 bars across France, seeking an apprenticeship (a programme in France that combines work and education).
Julien Escot, owner of the renowned Papa Doble—at the time listed among the World’s 50 Best Bars and winner of numerous awards—gave me a chance and took me under his wing. Bartending resonated with me immediately because it blended the creativity of an architect with the energy and discipline of an athlete. From that moment, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
Tell us about Clap Restaurants and what makes them so special?
CLAP Restaurant & Bar offers a truly unique experience, blending Japanese influences with inspirations drawn from Generation Z. However, I wouldn’t describe us as a purely Japanese concept—Japanese restaurants pursue excellence with such precision and discipline that I humbly acknowledge it would be unfair to compare ourselves to their remarkable craft.
CLAP is not just special; it’s unique. We constantly challenge ourselves to find new ways to surprise our guests—whether through exceptional service, rare and carefully selected ingredients or a captivating atmosphere. Our goal is to deliver an extra touch, something unexpected, that sets the CLAP experience apart. It’s about creating unforgettable moments and making each visit extraordinary.
What is the key to creating a world-class bar experience?
The key is being different—offering something truly unique that stands apart. It’s essential to continually reinvent yourself and find new ways to surprise your guests.
For me, the most important aspect is inspiring passion and drive within your team. When your team believes in the vision, it becomes a collective effort to deliver the best possible experience to clients. Together, we focus on creativity, innovation, and bringing that vision to life. A world-class bar experience starts with a passionate team working in harmony to create unforgettable moments.
Your mixology at Clap Restaurants is next level. Tell us about some of your proudest creations and what makes them so interesting?
We’re particularly proud of our current menu, which features some truly innovative cocktails. One standout is the Cyber Samurai, a drink that includes a UV light ritual during service. The light interacts with vitamins in the cocktail, creating a visually striking and interactive experience that goes beyond taste—it’s a multisensory moment.
Another creation we take pride in is the Maewari Highball. It’s made with Nikka Days whisky and Hokkaido super soft water. We mix the water with the whisky over five days to maximise aromatic exchange, enhancing the flavour profile. We then carbonate the blend to create a perfectly balanced highball. It’s a tribute to precision, tradition, and innovation, reflecting our approach to mixology.
What new cocktails and drinks partnerships are you working on?
We’re already developing our next cocktail creations, and as always, we’re brainstorming innovative ideas. Some concepts we’re exploring include unique maceration systems, glassware that emits a melodic sound when the cocktail is poured, and ageing techniques using sushi rice.
Exciting brand partnerships are also in the works, but we prefer to keep those surprises under wraps until we unveil our new menu. What we can promise is a collection of drinks that will once again push boundaries and elevate the guest experience. Stay tuned!
What is next for the luxury bar scene in Dubai?
Dubai’s bar scene is exceptional, with consistently high standards. From the use of top-quality ice blocks to the creativity of its bartenders, the city’s bars aim for excellence. Additionally, the budgets available here far surpass those of smaller bars in Europe, allowing for more ambitious and extravagant concepts.
Looking ahead, we believe the next big trend will centre around nostalgia—drawing inspiration from the vibrant spirit of the 80s and 90s. This era offers a wealth of ideas, and we can expect creative reinterpretations of classic flavours and designs that evoke cherished memories, all while maintaining the sophistication that defines Dubai’s luxury bar scene.
What about the glassware that you use for your cocktails?
Glassware is something we take very seriously at CLAP. We’ve developed custom-designed glassware featuring exclusive patterns that reflect our identity. CLAP is all about being unique. Every detail, including the glass a cocktail is served in, is an opportunity to elevate the experience and set ourselves apart.
If you could award a Michelin star for mixology right now, who would you give it to and why?
That’s a tricky question because I know so many talented individuals personally—if I don’t mention their names, they might stop talking to me!
However, one chef who truly inspires me is Yannick Alléno. His vision, creativity, and business acumen are remarkable. He’s passionate about creating not just culinary experiences but fully immersive concepts. His dedication to pushing boundaries and elevating every aspect of the guest journey is something I greatly admire.
You opened Clap Beirut. What is the party scene like there, and what is happening at Clap Beirut?
CLAP Beirut was the first to open. Despite the challenges of the explosion and the pandemic, ADDMIND took the bold step of launching CLAP Dubai during the height of COVID-19.
CLAP Beirut is truly one of a kind, featuring a stunning terrace with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s an experience that’s difficult to put into words—you have to be there to truly feel the magic.
In 2024, we expanded further by opening CLAP London in Knightsbridge. This new establishment is spectacular, bringing a unique blend of sophistication, creativity, and energy to one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
Tell us about Clap House Ibiza and what can we expect from this brand-new opening?
Clap House Ibiza is set to be our next exciting opening in 2025, located in Talamanca, Ibiza. It’s not just a restaurant and bar—it’s a full-fledged lifestyle concept spanning an impressive 16,000 square metres!
This destination will feature a stunning 50-metre pool club, a signature CLAP restaurant, and a wellness club in collaboration with SEVEN. Clap House Ibiza represents a new evolution for the brand, combining high-end experiences with the vibrant energy of Ibiza. It’s designed to be a one-of-a-kind destination where luxury, entertainment, and well-being come together harmoniously.
What is next for you and the bars at CLAP Restaurants worldwide?
I feel incredibly fortunate to work with CLAP and ADDMIND, the company behind Clap. My colleagues and superiors are true professionals, driven by passion and a shared desire for success. It’s rare to find a company with such a dynamic and forward-thinking mindset!
For now, I’ll focus on CLAP Dubai and the launch of a new concept called KIRA—a Mediterranean-inspired venue with a Japanese flair. As for my journey, opening my own establishment is certainly a goal for the future. However, I still have much to prove and accomplish with Clap and my incredible team. This is only the beginning of the chapter I’ve started.
As for our global future, I’m confident we’ll continue expanding worldwide. But for now, our priority is to perfect the experiences at our existing locations and ensure we deliver nothing less than the best to our guests.
Discover more at CLAP Restaurants.
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All imagery courtesy of Lilian Sausset and CLAP Restaurants.