The world-renowned American Bar at The Savoy is delighted to announce the appointment of Maxim Schulte as its new Head Bartender. Previously helping to shape Asia’s bar scene at The Ritz Carlton in Macau, 29-year-old Schulte will be joining the American Bar’s award winning team on 20 August 2018 and embarking with them on the latest exciting journey in the history of London’s oldest surviving cocktail bar.
German born, Maxim started his career in Hamburg before heading to China to work for the JW Marriot Hotel in Hong Kong. Since then, he has headed up teams in Bangkok and Saudi Arabia before being appointed Head Bartender at The Ritz Carlton S.A.R Macau. His inventive and high quality cocktails secured the bar 48th place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2018, a first for Macau and for Marriott International. His passion for cocktail making as an art form also earned him the title of Beefeater MIXLDN7 Global Winner earlier this year.
Recently awarded World’s Best Bar at World’s 50 Best 2017, the American Bar has seen only ten Head Bartenders in its 125-year history. From Ada “Coley” Coleman in 1903 and Harry Craddock in the 1920s to recent veterans, Joe Gilmore, Victor Gower and Peter Dorelli and, of course the outgoing Erik Lorincz, Schulte will be the eleventh to join a line of greats in the bar’s illustrious history.
The road to winning one of the industry’s most coveted and well-known roles is not an easy one. The Savoy’s extensive interview process, headed up by Bar Manager, Declan McGurk was as much about the candidate’s personality as his or her technical abilities behind the bar.
The successful candidate for Head Bartender needed to show natural leadership qualities, a passion for inspiring teams and an enjoyment of being around guests, while creativity and a constant flow of ideas is hugely important for a bar that is known for its highly creative cocktail menus and serves. Because of the high profile nature of the role, an ability to cope with that pressure and frequent media contributions while still being able to grow with the role was a given. The American Bar’s Head Bartender has to take more pride in the achievement of the team as a group instead of individually, so selfless humility and an avoidance of arrogance was also a must.
Finally, at the top of McGurk’s list was a touch of romance and magic. Schulte’s very first job application after university was at The Savoy, and he remembers very clearly Erik Lorincz making his very first Julep. Ever since then Schulte has been drawn to the hotel and knew that if he was ever to work in London, then the American Bar would be his first choice.
McGurk says of the appointment:
“I am so thrilled to welcome Maxim Schulte into both the American Bar and Savoy family. The task of filling the role of Head Bartender is one that I took on with great seriousness and feel that Maxim appeals uniquely to a high number of requirements. I look forward to seeing his creativity in action and most importantly enjoying time with our guests and inspiring our teams. Good Luck Maxim and thank you to the American Bar team for setting him up for such a great start.”
Upon the commencement of his role in August, Schulte will be introduced to the finely tuned workings of the American Bar and will embark on a detailed three-week induction to The Savoy, where he will learn about the rich history, traditions and values associated with the hotel. Following this, Schulte and his American Bar team will begin the discussions and creative processes involved in creating a new menu, ready for a brand new era for this well-loved institution.
Schulte says of his appointment:
“Becoming the Head Bartender of the American Bar fills me with much pride and honor. The bar has so much history and has contributed to most bar movements around the planet. The position obviously comes with a high status in the bar world, but what most thrills me is to be part of such an excellent team and one that has achieved so much over the years both in the American Bar and in The Savoy. It will be an amazing experience with much to learn and much to do! I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead and am bursting with anticipation.”