Liv Kelly (she/her)
Bar Manager at the Roch Shop
In 2018 I had returned from travelling with no money and a friend suggested I apply to bar back at Hippo Co in Garema Place. While it was just a job at first, it didn’t take me long to fall down the rabbit hole. I wanted to know and do everything. A couple of years ago I landed my dream gig at Bar Rochford.
What challenges did you face in the early days of being a bartender and do you think that these challenges still exist for you?
Confidence was and persists to be the biggest one. Placing too much emphasis on mentorship culture meant that I didn’t believe I could achieve on my own for a long time, a framework that’s hard to kick. Bartending often attracts big charisma as well, and I think feeling like that had to be matched in order to be good at the job created some insecurity. It becomes more manageable with experience; I always describe it as “less days where I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing”. You find your own way of rocking it that feels good for you.
What’s your number one venue for knock offs?
Honestly, Rochford. Love where you work.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
Two of the ladies who have shared their stories in Vermouth & Soda for VV happen to be two big influences for me. Holly Ingram taught me early on in my bartending life that when people patronise you across a bar to combat them with knowledge. She taught me the ins and outs of martinis and gave me resources so that I had all of the tools to feel confident. LPJ has not only given me empowerment and support but shown me the many avenues this industry can open up; her creativity abounds. The way these women go about their role in the industry is something I’ve always looked up to.
If you could only drink one cocktail for the rest of your life what would it be?
Martini.
What’s one piece of advice that you would give to newcomers in the industry now?
Find the balance between soaking up every experience and taking care of your mental health, whatever that means for you.