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Cocktails : Ben Reed

Mixologist Ben Reed

Experience

Ben Reed is one of London's best-known mixologists thanks to his high profile as the BBC's "Shaker Maker" and his colourful career mixing cocktails for the capital's trendsetters and style leaders.

Ben received his initial training abroad, picking up global experience at the downtown Hong Kong cocktail bar Mad Dogs in 1990, followed by the Blue Dolphin cocktail bar in South Africa.

Returning to England to study media at London Guildhall University, Ben graduated with honours, but was soon courted by Sir Terence Conran to become head bartender for the prestigious downstairs bar of his then-new gastrodome, Mezzo.

His next move was to become bar manager at the trend setting Cactus Blue in Fulham, followed by an enormously successful three-year stint as bar manager of London's premier private members club, The Met Bar - where he won cocktail bartender of the year in 1997 - and latterly as front of house manager at West London's popular members bar Woody's.

Consultancy

Ben enjoyed two years residence as consultant for cutting edge bar consultants Alchemist (responsible for drinks at award-winning Fabric nightclub, Che restaurant, The Cobden Club and The Met Bar). Ben was the face of the newly launched Drambuie Cream in the UK and worked with Smirnoff as a brand consultant running the "Fusion" training programme. Alchemist recently opened their flagship cocktail lounge, "Nocturne" in Bristol, to great acclaim.

These days Ben can be found at the office of IPBartenders, a collective of ex bar-operators and bartenders from London. He is the in-house mixologist for Coca-Cola/Schweppes and is responsible for the new cocktail menu at Sloane street's hippest hotel bar Mju.

Ben was recently asked to be one of the 6 Judges for the UK's most prestigious food and drink awards: "The Glenfiddich Awards".

Publications

Ben wrote his "Barfly" column for the Saturday Times magazine for two years, and current writes monthly for Theme magazine.

He has also released a number of successful publications:

• "Hollywood Cocktails" - co-written with Tobias Steed. Featured in the Times and the Telegraph newspapers top ten purchases for Christmas 99.
• "Cool Cocktails" - sold out in both the UK and the US in just four months, and has currently sold 350,000 copies worldwide.
• "The Cocktail Hour" - an indispensable collection of recipes, from the delectable Vodkatini to a mouth-watering Bellini.
• "Martinis" - irresistible drinks to suit every taste, from a fruity French to a delicate Dirty Martini.
• "Margaritas & Other Tequila Cocktails" - Impress your guests with a tray of ice-cold Margaritas.