STEFano ZAmpiERI

"In some way I can say drinks have always been part of my life. 

I remember in my childhood travelling from Padova to Asti with my family and visiting beautiful hills and vineyards. While I would mostly enjoy seeing the animals and the vines, my father along with my uncles would be sampling farmers' wine from the local producers, and buy a few "damigiane" that they would then bring back home and bottle before my attentively eye.

My professional journey into bartending began in a coffee shop in Padova when I was 14, at the time I was after some pocket money while studying, however since the beginning I could feel a fascination for the bar.

Growing up, during a visit to a local club, I got bewitched by the playful style of work and the “savoir fair” of the flair bartenders and, after 4 visits demanding the bar manager to work at his venue for free, I got the job that allowed me to learn and attend my first cocktail courses.
 

After a couple of years absorbing the most I could in Italy, I moved to Spain, Brazil and London to continue my growth. Learning from many knowledgeable colleagues and meeting a huge variety of customers have always been the most interesting parts of my job.

The experience as Head Bartender in some of the best bars in London, such as the Blue Bar at the Berkeley hotel and the Bassoon Bar at the Corinthia, provided me the knowledge of leading the team to the highest standards of service, always creating innovative and unique experiences for the guests.

Last step (before Rumours) in my development was creating my own business in London, mr BAR provided for 5 years consultancies and events while also supplying and developing unique ingredients in collaboration with important bars in London, such as the Scarfes bar at the Rosewood hotel, the Lobby bar at One Aldwych hotel and the Arts Club among many others."