Lance Perkins

What Do you do?

I'm the Director of Bars at the London EDITION, which basically means that I have the enviable responsibility for the four bars and the beverage offerings for the hotel.

HOW DID YOU GET HERE?

Having never worked in hotels over the 20 years I've spent in hospitality; it was a bit of a case of the perfect role becoming available, at the right time, at the perfect hotel.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN THE PERFECT BARTENDER?

The easiest way to explain it, is passion; passion about the beverage industry and a passion for hospitality. You can see it in 5 seconds, they either have it or they don't.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN THE PERFECT COCKTAIL?

Serious liquid with a catchy name always works...and then a unique presentation to wow all of the other guests into asking "what was that drink"?

HOW DOES THE LONDON EDITION DIFFER FROM RECENT HOTEL OPENINGS IN LONDON?

It's the perfect storm in a hotel, luxury and lifestyle. To have high standards and genuine personality, while delivering those standards, is a rare thing, and the London EDITION has that.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE HOTEL IN THE WORLD?

Wow, that's tough. I would have to say the Fiero Hotel in ,Buenos Aires; great food, great cocktails and wine as well as having some of the most genuinely beautiful staff I've had the pleasure of meeting.

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU'VE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS?

Hotel bars that are no longer your traditional hotel bar. The offering has become so unique and ground breaking that you forget that you're in a hotel, you feel as though you're in a little cool little independent bar somewhere.

WHERE WILL YOU BE ON YOUR NEXT DAY OFF?

On the south coast of England enjoying a lunch by the sea with family and friends.

WHAT'S YOUR TRAVEL 'MUST HAVE'?

A contact for a great bar manager in the city that I'm travelling to, so that I can get the chance to be shown all of those secret little bars that you never see unless you know someone in the know.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE MINI BAR ITEM / HOTEL AMENITY?

A locally sourced beer, something that I've never seen before.

CAREER ANECDOTE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

Oh dear, too many to share... but the most recent and the one I will always remember was sitting beside the legend Ian Schrager as he explained his vision for The London EDITION. Literally sitting beside greatness!