The Wigmore

Alessio Favini, The Wigmore Head Barback

Q: How did you find yourself in the world of bars/pubs in London?

A: I am originally from Italy, from a place near Florence where I used to work as a waiter. I knew about Artesian at The Langham and started thinking that I would really like to change my path and work there as the place was immensely inspiring. So, I actually moved to London with one goal only – to work in one of Langham’s bars and was very lucky to get the job.

Q: What is your favourite place in London for an evening out and why?

A: There are two: Artesian, of course, and also Connaught bar. A few of my Italian friends work there and that place always feels like home.

Q: You have created The Langham Martini. What was the inspiration behind it?

A: I wanted to create something that could be served across the hotel for all our guests in all of the bars and restaurants. Something that would be surprising, but also representative of the style and elegance of the hotel. The Langham Martini uses rose instead of lemon and the first thing you feel when you get the drink is the Ginger Flower scent sprayed on the rose petal, which is the iconic scent you smell when you enter the lobby of the hotel. It is very fresh and, of course, pink.

Q: If you could have a very unusual drink on The Wigmore menu, what would it be?

A: I would combine my two favourite things: pizza and Negroni and make a Pizza Negroni, Italiano style.