LONDON CREATIVE: Dominykas Smagurauskas
This week we caught up with Head Mixologist, Dominykas Smagurauskas, at the Rooftop bar Bokan.
1. HOW DID YOU BECOME A MIXOLOGIST?
I have been involved in hospitality since I was a kid really, always trying to sneak into my parent’s house parties to entertain the guests and my first job as a teenager working in a kitchen to earn some extra pocket money. I thought my calling was in art and imagined it would involve spray cans and paint, instead my creativity came in the form of flavours and aromas. I couldn’t be any happier.
2. WE LOVE THE VIEWS OF LONDON AT BOKAN, IT’S SUCH A GREAT PLACE. TELL US WHAT IT’S LIKE WORKING THERE?
Bokan is a really energetic venue, it’s like no other. The atmosphere can go from zero to one hundred real quick. When everything calms down after hours it feels amazing to have such a view of the city to look at and be able to reflect on everything that happened over the course of the night.
3. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DRINK TO MAKE?
Either a ‘morning glory fizz’ or a ‘Last word’. Pretty much any classic that I don’t expect to be ordered makes me really happy to make, and I am always impressed with a guest that knows these great classic drinks and orders them.
4. BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?
Best piece of advice I’ve probably received was to be humble and patient. Everything else comes with time.
5. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE HANG-OUT SPOTS IN LONDON?
I love my whisky so my favourite place is ‘Black Rock‘ where all they serve is that and it’s accompanied with hip-hop music.
6. WHEN YOU’RE NOT MIXING UP A GREAT COCKTAIL, TELL US WHAT YOUR IDEAL SUNDAY WOULD BE LIKE IN LONDON?
Sundays are often my chill out day and the day I get to spend quality time with my girlfriend. I love cooking so I often prepare lunch for us and we end up going out for a walk and catching an exhibition or movie. We then visit a bar to try out some of their best drinks. I’m always checking out the latest bar openings and testing out their best drinks.
Website: http://bokanlondon.co.uk
Photography by Nyla Sammons