CROSSIP CONVOS - JOSHUA LINFITT
Join us for a series of 'CROSSIP Convos' as we shine a spotlight on the amazing bartenders, venue owners, ambassadors and hospitality heroes we interact with every day.
CROSSIP was born in a bar, not a boardroom, and it's about time our mates in the on-trade industry had an opportunity to share their stories of how they began their journey in this crazy and beautiful hospitality world and what being unapologetically bold means to them.
Up next, we have the multi award winning bartender, JOSHUA LINFITT.
CROSSIP was born in a bar, not a boardroom, and it's about time our mates in the on-trade industry had an opportunity to share their stories of how they began their journey in this crazy and beautiful hospitality world and what being unapologetically bold means to them.
Up next, we have the multi award winning bartender, JOSHUA LINFITT.
What is your name?
My name is Joshua Matthew Linfitt
My first name comes from a story that led to Joshua Tetley, yes, the bitter. My middle name has no meaning at all, simply reason that my brother Dan took our Dads first name as his middle name and they felt right to give me a middle name too, Linfitt is some kind of Nordic name referring to a kind of spelt grain, makes sense as my family tree is mainly Viking.
My name is Joshua Matthew Linfitt
My first name comes from a story that led to Joshua Tetley, yes, the bitter. My middle name has no meaning at all, simply reason that my brother Dan took our Dads first name as his middle name and they felt right to give me a middle name too, Linfitt is some kind of Nordic name referring to a kind of spelt grain, makes sense as my family tree is mainly Viking.
Where do you work?
I work as the Prestige Ambassador for Schweppes here in Great Britain, heading up an epic team of extremely talented humans and together running industry leading trainings, innovation within menus and cocktails, and producing best in class events.
I work as the Prestige Ambassador for Schweppes here in Great Britain, heading up an epic team of extremely talented humans and together running industry leading trainings, innovation within menus and cocktails, and producing best in class events.
How’d you get into bartending/ the hospitality industry?
I realised you can have an epic night out when behind the bar, epic tunes, big vibes. Helping and hosting people to make their night the best it can be! I also completed my first official bar shift 3 days after turning 18, there is more to that story, but you can ask me over a gin and tonic (Schweppes obviously!).
I realised you can have an epic night out when behind the bar, epic tunes, big vibes. Helping and hosting people to make their night the best it can be! I also completed my first official bar shift 3 days after turning 18, there is more to that story, but you can ask me over a gin and tonic (Schweppes obviously!).
Your best bartending/ hospitality story?
I have loads of random stories that fly into and out of my mind when reading this question so what I’d like to do is describe a feeling, this feeling is one you only get when you sit back and reflect. Not during a de-brief after an event or shift and not when reminiscing a story, weeks, months or even years after, it’s during the moment! You could be sat at the head of the table filled with old and new friends in Greece, feasting on perfectly cooked seafood or sat in the outside courtyard at Gordon’s wine bar (The oldest wine bar in London and another firm favourite you can add to the list in the next question) it’s all about taking a moment, putting that phone down, breathing in the atmosphere, looking around, raising a glass and appreciating your friendships and the ability to make new mates, that is one of the gifts that hospitality gives us, that moment holds its own story, THAT moment!
I have loads of random stories that fly into and out of my mind when reading this question so what I’d like to do is describe a feeling, this feeling is one you only get when you sit back and reflect. Not during a de-brief after an event or shift and not when reminiscing a story, weeks, months or even years after, it’s during the moment! You could be sat at the head of the table filled with old and new friends in Greece, feasting on perfectly cooked seafood or sat in the outside courtyard at Gordon’s wine bar (The oldest wine bar in London and another firm favourite you can add to the list in the next question) it’s all about taking a moment, putting that phone down, breathing in the atmosphere, looking around, raising a glass and appreciating your friendships and the ability to make new mates, that is one of the gifts that hospitality gives us, that moment holds its own story, THAT moment!
Favourite bar in the world?
You cannot ask me that! So, to help I will rephrase the question for you – Favourite bars with lasting moments for you?
Much better, My list is never ending but here are a few firm favs that have left me with some amazing memories:The Hideout in Bath, Filthy XIII in Bristol, Lyaness (formerly known as Dandelyan), Callooh Callay Shoreditch, Cocktail Trading Company, Henson’s bar, The Toucan and very recently Dram, it’s a new spot with banging drams and great chat - all in London, Bramble up in Edinburgh, Café la Trova in Miami, I also had the privilege of being shown around LINE in Athens which is incredible!
You cannot ask me that! So, to help I will rephrase the question for you – Favourite bars with lasting moments for you?
Much better, My list is never ending but here are a few firm favs that have left me with some amazing memories:The Hideout in Bath, Filthy XIII in Bristol, Lyaness (formerly known as Dandelyan), Callooh Callay Shoreditch, Cocktail Trading Company, Henson’s bar, The Toucan and very recently Dram, it’s a new spot with banging drams and great chat - all in London, Bramble up in Edinburgh, Café la Trova in Miami, I also had the privilege of being shown around LINE in Athens which is incredible!
Favourite way to drink CROSSIP?
I love the CROSSIP Fresh citrus in lots of ways by adding the complex balance and carbonation of Schweppes tonic makes a simple and delicious alcohol-free drink. Then for a low ABV option add a splash of Blanco Tequila and garnish with a simple squeezed lime wedge.
I love the CROSSIP Fresh citrus in lots of ways by adding the complex balance and carbonation of Schweppes tonic makes a simple and delicious alcohol-free drink. Then for a low ABV option add a splash of Blanco Tequila and garnish with a simple squeezed lime wedge.
What’s your go-to cocktail when drinking at home?
I don’t really drink when I’m at home, I guess recently if I was to have a cheeky bev while watching Forged in Fire, it would be a nice whisky highball with loads of ice, Schweppes soda and a lemon zest garnish otherwise with food, a nice glass of wine, something light and acidic if we’re drinking white or big, bold, chewy if we’re on the red with a steak!
I don’t really drink when I’m at home, I guess recently if I was to have a cheeky bev while watching Forged in Fire, it would be a nice whisky highball with loads of ice, Schweppes soda and a lemon zest garnish otherwise with food, a nice glass of wine, something light and acidic if we’re drinking white or big, bold, chewy if we’re on the red with a steak!
What does UNAPOLOGETICALLY BOLD mean to you?
To me unapologetically bold means being true to your palate, to yourself and to your guests. Know the flavours you are using and statement you are making - if your being bold about anything you should be able to back it up!
To me unapologetically bold means being true to your palate, to yourself and to your guests. Know the flavours you are using and statement you are making - if your being bold about anything you should be able to back it up!