DUKES Bar, in London?s prestigious Mayfair, has over the years built quite a reputation for itself and the legendary bar is internationally renowned for its famous martinis and other personalised cocktails. It?s intimate surroundings and timeless vibe make it the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two with friends.
TLE recently had the pleasure of staying at the Dukes hotel and of course it would have been rude not to check out the bar and cocktails! Whilst we were we started chatting to Mary, the lovely Italian first and only female bar-tender at the establishment whose story really impressed us??read on and we think you?ll agree it?s both interesting and inspiring.
Tell us a bit about yourself"
Since childhood I?ve always been attracted by the Bartenders way of smiling and courteous manners, their power to spread happiness through their cocktail creations. This encouraged me to work as soon as I could at 15 years old whilst studying at the Hospitality school in Tuscany from where I?m from. Tuscany was and still is a leader region for Bartender formation in Italy so I was fortunate enough to have received the guidance from the best Cocktail Masters during the early stages of my career, working in different bar styles, restaurant cocktail bars and hotel cocktail bars.
I?ve travelled all over Italy to choose the right mentors; for me it didn?t matter what the job position was or the salary as long as I was trained by the Bar Managers of my choice.

At 23 years, old I was...