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.

Next on the lineup, we have the legend, MAZIDUL HOQUE HRIDOY (MAZ).

What’s your name?
Mazidul Hoque Hridoy( Maz).

Where do you work?
La Maison Ani as a bartender.

How’d you get into the bar / hospitality scene?
In 2016, I visited a cocktail bar at the Radisson Blu hotel in Dhaka. I found it fascinating and offered to work part-time, telling the manager I wanted to learn the craft of cocktail making. That’s how my journey began.

Your best bartending / hospitality story?
In 2022, on a busy night at Louie London, where I used to work, a guest asked for a fruity and herbal drink. I created a twist on a Clover Club cocktail with the addition of génépi. The guest said it was the best cocktail he had ever had.

Favourite bar in the world?
My personal favourite bar in the world is the Connaught Bar in London, but I also love Shapes for their approach to mixology. 

Favourite way to drink CROSSIP?
My favourite Crossip drink is neat Crossip Dandy Smoke as it got a hint of lapsang tea and it's refreshing as well.

What’s your go-to when drinking at home?
I prefer making homemade fruity sparkling drinks. They are refreshing and enjoyable as well.

What does UNAPOLOGETICALLY BOLD mean to you?
Unapologetically bold means being authentic and true to myself, even when others disagree.