Dan Wilkes

Dan Wilkes

A SWIFT HALF

DAN WILKES

LIQUID ASSETS, A MEASURED VIEW, DECEMBER 2006, COMMENTS

Along with Carlie Homnerger, Dan Wilkes is the entrepreneur behind cocktail specialists Create Cocktails, whose clients include the likes of Madonna, Kate Moss, Saatchi & Saatchi and Merrill Lynch. With its own event catering division, consultancy service and own brand drinks products, Create Cocktails supply the best in cocktail know-how to the on-trade.

I got into my job... by working in the bar industry, emptying bins and cleaning ashtrays whilst at college. I soon trained as a bartender and since then have worked in and managed many bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

If I met myself 10 years ago, I’d tell myself... to get a proper job!

My job involves... any number of things at any given time. I am very lucky that my job is constantly changing. We have many events taking place all over the UK and abroad so every job is different. We also have many consultancy contracts and a few products available which mixes things up nicely.

I love this business because... the people are amazing and we work and play very hard

The biggest challenge I face is... multi-tasking!

If I was in charge of the industry I’d... clamp down on all the rogue bar traders who let down the business.

The way to a consumer’s heart is... to be honest, fair and friendly and work as hard as you can for people.

The best place to drink in Britain... London without a doubt - amazing choice every night of the week.

Favourite ‘man walks into a bar’ joke: Man walks into a bar...ouch

Draught or bottle: Both work - it depends on the environment.

On the Town: Irish Whisky and ginger ale - traditional with a kick of spice to keep the evening going.

Nightcap: A nice smokey single malt.

Desert island drink: A large bottle of rum with lots of ice please.

Not if it were the last drink in the world: Tequila - very un-bartender like I know but spent too much time in Mexico!

From: December 2006 Issue