Stuart Campbell started bartending “many moons ago.” Originally from England, bartending provided an excellent way for him to see the world. His first stop was Canada, but as he ventured on, working in different countries taught him the styles of many regions.
“Each country has spoken to a different aspect of my bar passion.”
Campbell is now the Venue Manager and Head Bartender at Little Mez, the Tequila and Mezcal bar that calls Queenstown Mall home.
The most rewarding aspects of his job are being sociable and watching people get excited about what happens behind the bar. Campbell has loved learning about all the different elements of spirits and what they can bring to customers.
His favourite cocktail to make is a classic Old Fashioned. When done correctly, the precision and dilution create something beautiful.
When looking for a great drink's defining features, Campbell hopes it to be well-balanced. Take the classic Margarita, the perfect marriage of sweet, sour, salty and bitter flavours that will never go out of style.
For customers sitting at the Little Mez bar, the go-to drink that showcases the house style is the ‘Pineapple Barbacoa,’ a fresh take on a smoky Old Fashioned. Smoky mezcals are becoming increasing popular as guests look to try something new; otherwise, Little Mez has a wide range of low and no beers and mocktails.
“There are some interesting bespoke spirit crafters coming through, particularly in the Gin, Rum and Whiskey categories.”
Campbell's words of wisdom for other passionate bartenders are to keep at it, try new things and work in a range of places.
“Support your fellow bartenders in the industry, and keep drinking Mexican spirits!”
