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.

Coming up next, the legend himself, AARON WALL!

What’s your name?
Aaron Wall

Where do you work?
Homeboy Bar.

How’d you get into the bar / hospitality scene?
I started in hospitality as a bouncer at the age of 17 years old. I was too young to be let inside so to the dismay of the other boucers I did the front door and realised very quickly if I showed warmth at that first moment peoples experience would be better. At 15 I covered a friend as a kitchen porter and could see the hard work and comradery but that was only for a few weeks. 

Your best bartending / hospitality story?
I once stayed in a hotel in the Hyde Hotel in Galway in the west of Ireland. I was greeted as soon as I came through the door with a "Good evening, Mr Wall I have your room key ready would you like to go through to the bar for a drink and I can bring your bag up to your room for you?". I wasnt planning on going into the bar but I was such a warm invited I decided to do so and with that as I walked into the bar the bartender said "Good evening, Mr Wall". We proceeded to have a nice conversation about whiskey and when he told me that in the morning when I go for breakfast ask for the eggs Florentine because it has local delicious Galway smoked salmon. As I was getting ready to leave the bartender asked  "Where are you going, the concept of going for one drink and only having one drink is ridiculous" and handed me a shot of whiskey which i downed and made my way to the door as I looked back I seen him take the tip I gave him and pay for the shot he gave me. Had my breakfast the next morning and was served with a.... "Lovey" or "Pet" the whole way through. As I checked out the same person that checked me in was there and I had to ask how they knew my name and I got the best answer "I just guessed, you were last person to check in and you had a bag" I asked but how did the bartender know she said "When you put your book in your bag I called him and told him". Simple cost nothing and I've never forgot it. 

Favourite bar in the world?
The Long Hall (Dublin), Satan's Whiskers (London), Garvans (Galway).

Favourite way to drink CROSSIP?
Dandy Penicillin. soft smoke, citrus, ginger, honey.

What’s your go-to when drinking at home?
To me drinking is such a convivial thing that I don't drink at home. So it's champagne for a special celebration in a private moment. 

What does UNAPOLOGETICALLY BOLD mean to you?
I think of this from time to time. Bold to me the confidence and bravery that checks itself from arrogance. I think my attitude coming to London was unapologetically bold. I was in awe coming to work in the bar scene in London. Once I seen behind the curtain, I believe I could go after it here. My honesty was a bit jarring to some, never unkind, and always complementary. I've never let the novelty of meeting my hero's wear off, just ask Jake Burger and Jim Wrigley, and would like to think I've always hand an encouraging word for the younger bartenders coming up in the industry. I've taken my chances and always been grateful for all the help support I've received from the amazing people I've met along the way. On that note I'm always open to paying it forward and answering any questions people might have.