Bartender Culture - Shōshin Art Club

Share What You Know, Learn From Others By Jill Dutton

SHŌSHIN ART CLUB

Shōshin: A Japanese concept that translates to “a beginner’s mind.”

Art Club: Acknowledging the cultural and artistic role of the bar industry. Merge these two concepts and offer it through an online portal, and you have Shōshin Art Club.

At Shōshin Art Club, the founder, Valentino Longo, has created a digital classroom where students learn from world-class leaders in the spirits industry. The inspiration for the concept came when Longo presented the idea—and won—in the final round of Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender competition.

Before opening a champagne bar at the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Longo did intensive training in Japan and learned about the concept of Shōshin, which translates to “a beginner’s mind,” and is based around the notion that one should approach everything one does with an open mind, free of preconceptions or any expectations, and instead filled with curiosity and open to unlimited possibilities.

Shōshin Art Club combines Longo’s artistic approach to crafting cocktails, his love of photography, and a desire to constantly be evolving and growing. Longo’s goal for Shōshin is to offer anyone in hospitality the same tools, access, and knowledge gained from mentors during his career.

Although the original idea was (and still is) to open a physical space where hospitality industry people could meet and share their knowledge—during the pandemic they decided to transform this idea into a digital platform, “which worked well as we’re able to have a broader audience from all around the world. This transition to digital affected Shōshin in a positive way,” Longo says.

Anyone involved in the bar industry who is willing to learn and be inspired benefits from the club. There are two different memberships: free and premium. The free version gives access to cocktail tutorials, product knowledge, and “extra credit” classes, which are classes from people that aren’t bartenders but still touch the industry such as honey producers, tea makers, journalists, film directors, and more. The premium membership offers all those video classes and ones centered around mentorship, techniques, and leadership and are led by award-winning bartenders from around the globe.

Mentors choose from one of three pillars for their classes: mentorship, leadership, and technique. Once a mentor chooses a pillar, they’re free to choose their own topics, allowing the mentors to teach about subjects for which they are passionate. For example, Agostino Perrone, who just won Number One on the World’s 50 Best Bar list, talks about how he got started in London, how to lead a team, and of course, his signature Connaught Martini.

The free membership, Longo says, “is really for anyone as you can watch cocktail tutorials, learn general spirit category knowledge, or learn about specific products taught by a brand ambassador. Even if you just started in this industry, are looking to get into bartending, or are just passionate about cocktails, you can still watch for free and learn something new.”

Other than launching during a pandemic, Longo is proud that people from around the world can participate. “I love that we’re connecting members with some legendary talent from any spot in the world, especially when they may not have a chance to visit in person.”

For anyone needing a scholarship, Shōshin Scholars was launched to give back to the industry. The program is open to anyone who wants to apply, and they plan to give out 100 one-year premium memberships.

“Shōshin is all about the idea of a ‘beginner’s mind’ and the possibility to be open and learn from anyone. I believe this is so important for our growth, especially in this industry. I love the idea that we all ‘learn’ how to keep ‘learning.’”

For more information on Shōshin Art Club, visit shoshinartclub.com

Shōshin is all about the idea of a ‘beginner’s mind’ and the possibility to be open and learn from anyone.

— VALENTINO LONGO. SHŌSHIN ART CLUB FOUNDER

VALENTINO LONGO, Shōshin Art Club founder

CHILLED spoke to global industry experts providing classes at Shōshin Art Club to learn more.

AGO PERRONE

Director of Mixology, The Connaught Hotel, London

What do you teach at Shōshin?

I focus on self-mentoring and developing vision and authentic style; topics that are important for me.

What are your thoughts about Shōshin Art Club?

It is a great platform that reflects Valentino’s inspiring concept of creating a hub for bar professionals worldwide while highlighting artistry and talent. It’s truly a global network to connect anyone who might be after constructive and educational content with aspirational leaders in their different fields.

Why should bartenders subscribe to Shōshin?

To access content that motivates, helps personal and professional growth, and tailors their learning experience with different types of content that are easy to navigate and digest.

Shōshin means beginner’s mind—what advice do you have for beginner bartenders?

If you have a dream, believe in it, and stick to it while developing your plan to achieve it. Remember that kindness always pays back in life and work. Give it straight up and with style, and don’t forget the smile.

MICHELE MARIOTTI

Head of Mixology, The Gleneagles, Scotland

What do you teach at Shōshin?

I talk about the challenges of relocating and performing in different countries, managing your social media persona, and developing menu concepts and structured teams. Pretty much an overview of my career and what I’ve learned along the way.

What do you like about Shōshin?

It is a great platform that allows industry professionals to showcase what they’ve mastered to novice bartenders. The content is broad and allows people “insider” knowledge on topics that take a lifetime to master.

Why should bartenders subscribe to Shōshin?

To grow their skills by listening to their peers who may have become “experts” in specific fields of bartending.

What is the biggest takeaway from your experience?

I loved how I could take an in-depth look at some of my bartending colleagues from all over the world, how their minds work, and their unique approach to bartending. This kind of content was only available through global bartending events, and to have it all in one place is a unique opportunity.

ANNA SEBASTIAN

Bar Manager, Artesian Bar, The Langham, London

What do you teach at Shōshin?

Leadership and management. How to lead a team is a big passion of mine!

Why should bartenders subscribe?

It is an excellent portal of information and resources to use for yourself and your team. There are so many unique and talented people to connect with.

What is the biggest takeaway from your experience with Shōshin Art Club?

The entire team was great to work with, and to be asked to participate a huge honor.

Shōshin means beginner’s mind—what advice do you have for beginner bartenders?

Never attach yourself to a person or a place but attach to a purpose or a cause; that way, you will always continue to grow and develop without being held back.