Ajit Gurung

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY. I’m 22 and I came from a small town called Pokhara in Nepal, which is famous for its tourism. We always had people from all over the world coming there, and it was quite fascinating to meet new people and to get to know about their adventure and experience. I moved to Hong Kong in 2012 and I was looking for a part time job when one of my brothers asked me to work with him in a restaurant. With no F&B background, I hesitated at first but once I joined I knew it was perfect for me, meeting new people and making new friends.

TELL US ABOUT MICHTER’S AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR COCKTAIL. Michter’s is one of my favourite brands. It’s my first choice of Rye for a classic Manhattan. With notes of spiced rye, vanilla, sweet oak and maple it has a fantastic flavour profile and aroma. I’m doing a twist on a classic cocktail Stone Fence, which is very underrated. The cocktail is refreshing and reminds you of the festive season.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN 2016? The Stockton team. Not just my personal growth but as a team, I can proudly say we’ve learned so much in the past years. When we first started everyone was very young and full of excitement but with little experience. I would say 80 per cent of the staff in Stockton is younger than 25 and with no turnover of staff in the past two years shows it’s more than just a job. We’re family.

IF YOU WEREN’T BARTENDING WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I would be an outdoor guide. I love hiking and travelling. You’re getting paid to hike. What’s not to like. Plus you get to know more people doing adventures. Definitely what I would see myself doing when the doctor tells me to give up booze.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO ANYONE LOOKING AT JOINING THE INDUSTRY AS A PROFESSION? If it’s money you seek, you’ve come to the wrong industry. F&B is all about hospitality. It’s about making your guests feel comfortable and to be yourself and smile. The most important thing in this industry is your team. This industry can be cruel sometimes, but if you have a good supporting team, all the hurdles will be gone in the blink of an eye.

IF YOU COULD DO ONE GUEST SHIFT WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHO WOULD IT BE WITH? Mos Eisley Cantina from Star Wars with Hunter S Thompson with Frank Sinatra playing in the background. That would be epic.

Ajit loves the social side of bartending; meeting new people and hearing about their adventures. With a keen interest for the outdoors, he hopes to someday go on an adventure of his own hiking in the mountains. But for now, it’s all about sharing stories and drinks with guests.

Gurungajit

Stone Fence

INGREDIENTS: • 60ml Michter’s US1 Straight Rye Whiskey • 20ml Lemon sherbet • 5ml Pimento Dram Liqueur • 120ml Dry cider

METHOD: Mix everything into a shaker except the cider. Shake and strain into a mug. Top up with cider

GARNISH: Mint sprig and apple crisp

GLASSWARE: Mug

ICE: Ice cubes and top with crushed ice