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, we’re excited to present  FILIPPO RESMINI from Lucky Voice.

What’s your name?
Filippo Resmini

Where do you work?
Lucky Voice

How’d you get into the bar/hospitality scene?
Oh, I remember that day very well! A few weeks after I graduated high school, I was at home with my mum when she came to me and asked, “Filippo, I need to know your plans for building your future. Do you want to go to university, or would you prefer to start working and build your own path?”

I thought about it and was honest with her—and myself. I told her, “I don’t see myself studying at university; I don’t know what I’d study, and I don’t want you to waste money on something I’m not fully committed to.” So, I decided to start working. I got a summer job as a waiter at a 3-star hotel near my hometown. It was full immersion, 7 am to 11 pm, with just a two-hour break each day and no days off. Even during my break, I helped the owner with gardening and other tasks. I wanted to keep myself busy, push myself, and see how far I could go. I realized I loved it; otherwise, I wouldn’t have been doing all that.

I became more interested in the bar, asking questions about spirits, cocktails, and bartending. I was amazed by the knowledge, smoothness, and smile of the bartender while he worked. At the end of that experience, I enrolled in a bartending course in Milan at the Flair Academy. It was the first time I ever truly studied, and the instructors were incredible—funny, strict when needed, and always setting an example.

After that, I came to London. A few months later, Lucky Voice Soho gave me a chance to start my bartending career. Steve Little believed in me even though my English wasn’t great! I promised him that if he gave me a shot, I’d go to English school to improve. I worked at Lucky Voice for two years, then left to keep learning and growing, not only as a bartender but also as a person. Leaving felt like a difficult decision because of the opportunity they’d given me, but Steve supported my choice and even visited me a few times at my next role at the London Cocktail Club.

After the Cocktail Club, I went back to Italy as Covid began. In 2020, I had to cut back on work because of restrictions. When things returned to normal, I took on another international experience in The Hague, Netherlands. In the two years that followed, I managed a speakeasy bar in my hometown, Arona. Then, in February 2023, I rejoined Lucky Voice in a new role as a Trainer and Developer, a position I still enjoy.

Your best bartending/hospitality story?
My best story is how I got my start. After finishing the bartender course in Milan, I looked for jobs right away, but everyone told me I didn’t have enough experience. I couldn’t find any bar willing to train me. A few months later, I decided to move to London, the capital of bartending.

At first, it was tough, like it is for everyone who moves abroad. I worked as a waiter for three months while I kept applying for bartending roles until I finally got a call from Lucky Voice for an interview! My English wasn’t great, but I tried my best. I told Steve Little, the manager, that if he hired me, I’d go to an English school to improve my language skills. I don’t know why he trusted me, but he did. He gave me a trial shift, and after that, he offered me the job. I immediately enrolled in English classes and went to school in the mornings, working at night. I didn’t want to let them down after they gave me a chance.

If it wasn’t for Lucky Voice and Steve, I might never have become a bartender. So, this story is very special to me. Then, in February 2023, I returned to Lucky Voice, adding even more meaning to my journey. My connection with Lucky Voice is something we’ve built together over the years, and I’ll always be grateful for the support they’ve shown me.

Favourite bar in the world?
That’s a tough one (besides Lucky Voice, of course!). Out of the bars I’ve visited, I’d say Sips in Barcelona. The experience was surreal, and Simone is a true legend.

Favourite way to drink CROSSIP?
I really like CROSSIP Dandy Smoke and CROSSIP Pure Hibiscus, especially in a sour drink or with mixers.

What’s your go-to drink at home? 
It depends on the occasion. If I’m having aperitivo at home, I’ll go for beer, wine, or champagne if I want to treat myself. After dinner, I like Limoncello, something to help with digestion. And with friends, we choose drinks based on the theme of the night.

What does ‘UNAPOLOGETICALLY BOLD’ mean to you?
It means daring to do something different, stepping out of the norm, and pushing boundaries. It’s about being yourself, knowing your limits, and setting new ones. It also means learning from mistakes and failures.