A new head bartender has joined the Beaufort Bar at The Savoy in London as part of its mission to maintain its place as one of the world’s best and most creative bars.
Kyle Wilkinson (pictured) started in the role yesterday (March 1), taking over from Chris Moore who had been head bartender since the bar opened over five years ago.
Kyle was most recently bar manager of The Blind Pig at Jason Atherton’s Social Eating House in Soho in London for two years – during which time it won awards such as best restaurant bar in the 2015 global Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans.
Previously, he worked at Pollen Street Social in London and Brass Monkey in Nottingham. His competition successes include winning Drambuie’s national competition in 2011. In both 2011 and 2015, he reached the GB final in Diageo Reserve’s World Class competition and this year he is again through to the top 10 for the final in May.
Kyle, who is from Seaham in County Durham, has also consulted for brands such as Johnnie Walker and Drambuie and worked with experimental food-smiths Bompas and Parr.
In announcing his appointment, The Savoy described him as “highly skilled, extremely knowledgeable and having consistently contributed to top industry trends. Wilkinson is the perfect fit for this coveted and demanding role.
“Ambitious, innovative and dedicated, Wilkinson will be at the very forefront of the Beaufort Bar’s forthcoming creative direction.”
Kyle is only the 13th head bartender in the 126-year history of The Savoy, which is also home to The American Bar. He said: “The biggest, most challenging and proudest role of my career begins now.”
