Angelo Lo Greco, flair bartender extraordinaire and bar manager of the Stables Bar in the five star Milestone Hotel in Kensington, London, is an expert at the top of his game. He made his name by winning top prizes in various international bartending competitions, and regularly hosts bar takeovers with renowned brands such as Broken Clock vodka, El Recuerdo and Zignum mezcals.
His work at The Stables mirrors the rich history of the hotel, where luxury meets modern mixology and an eye for customer service. We caught up with Angelo to talk about his career to date and all things boozy.
Image: Sidetrack London
How did it all start?
My passion for mixology started many years ago when I was still in school. Even though I was probably too young to handle alcohol at the time, I felt that working in bars and experimenting with cocktails was my true calling. This experience sparked my interest in mixology, and I decided to pursue a career in the industry.
Image: Sidetrack London
London is having a bit of a bar revival. Tell us what makes the Stables Bar at the Milestone unique?
What makes the Stables Bar at The Milestone Hotel truly unique is our commitment to crafting personalised experiences for every guest. We believe that every drink should tell a story, and that’s why we source only the freshest, locally grown ingredients to create our own infusions and cordials.
Our menu is not just inventive, but also approachable, so that every guest can discover something new and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of mixology, we strive to make every visit to The Stables Bar memorable.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing bars and bartenders at the moment?
Following the pandemic and Brexit, London’s hospitality industry has faced significant challenges, including a shortage of skilled professionals. As a result, finding and retaining talented staff can be difficult for bars and restaurants.
Despite this, I am incredibly fortunate to have the strongest team I have ever had at The Stables Bar. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and experiences, and their passion for mixology is evident in every drink they create. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of cocktails, and we remain committed to delivering the highest levels of service to our guests.
Can sustainability in mixology ever become the norm?
I definitely think that sustainability in mixology can become the norm. It requires a conscious effort from everyone involved in the industry, from bartenders to suppliers to consumers, to reduce waste, use local and seasonal ingredients, and adopt sustainable practices.
Image: Sidetrack London
You’re one of the most well-regarded bar managers in London, but what advice would you give your younger self when you were at the beginning of your journey?
If I could give advice to my younger self, I would say to always remain curious and open to learning. The bar industry is constantly evolving, and there is always something new to discover and explore.
Red Carnation hotels are such a prestigious brand, how do you curate the Stables Bar menu accordingly?
As a prestigious brand, Red Carnation Hotels set high standards for all their outlets. At The Stables Bar, we aim to curate a menu that reflects the brand’s values of luxury, elegance and sophistication.
Who is your bartending role model and why?
My bartending role model has to be Simone Caporale. Not only for his innovative and creative approach to mixology and his ability to create unique and complex cocktails, but I remember going to visit him at the Artesian after a long shift and every time he was there it was a party! His hospitality skills are second to none, and that’s, in my opinion, what really counts.
Simone’s work behind the bar has earned him numerous accolades and awards, including the title of International Bartender of the Year at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in 2014. I find his passion for creating personalised experiences for each guest truly inspiring, and strive to emulate his approach in my own work as a bar manager.
Image: Sidetrack London
What’s the most interesting drink you’ve had to prepare?
One of the most interesting drinks I ever made was for a special occasion: the Royal Wedding of Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex. I created a twist on the classic Negroni, which I named the “Duchess Hourglass.” It featured raspberry cordial and a spray of cloves, and was served with an ice ball that obstructed the liquid in the glass. When the ice eventually melted, the liquid flowed down like sand in an hourglass, creating a truly unique drinking experience.
As for whether the royal couple tried it or not, that’s unfortunately a mystery I can’t reveal. But I can say that it was a hit among the guests at the hotel, and it was a true honour to create a drink for such a special occasion.
What’s your favourite spirit to work with?
My favourite spirit to work with by far is mezcal. I love the complexity and depth of flavour that it offers, which is unique to the land where it comes from. It’s a spirit that truly reflects the terroir and culture of its origin, and that’s something that I find fascinating.
What is next for you and The Stables Bar?
The Stables Bar is always looking to innovate and improve, so we have several exciting projects in the pipeline. We’re working on introducing new cocktails and refining our menu, as well as exploring ways to further enhance the guest experience.
To discover more, visit The Stables Bar or check out @Angelo_LoGreco on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
All imagery courtesy of Sidetrack London.