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American Bar names new head bartender

Maxim Schulte has succeeded Erik Lorincz as head bartender at The Savoy’s renowned American Bar in London.

Maxim Schulte will join the American Bar next month

Lorincz left the American Bar in May after eight years in the role to open his own venue in London.

Born in Germany, 29-year-old Schulte will join the American Bar next month after working as head bartender at The Ritz Carlton in Macau. In February this year, he triumphed in the Beefeater MIXLDN 7 Global Cocktail Competition.

Schulte started his career in Hamburg before moving to Hong Kong to work for the JW Marriott Hotel. Since then he has led bar teams in Bangkok and Saudi Arabia before moving to Macau.

He now takes on one of the most coveted roles in the industry, becoming the 11th head bartender in the American Bar’s 125-year history. Luminaries who have previously held the position include Ada Coleman, Harry Craddock, Victor Gower and Peter Dorelli.

Schulte was hired following an “extensive interview process” led by the American Bar’s manager, Declan McGurk, who was looking for “natural leadership qualities, a passion for inspiring teams and an enjoyment of being around guests”, in addition to creativity and humility.

“I am so thrilled to welcome Maxim Schulte into both the American Bar and Savoy family,” said McGurk. “The task of filling the role of head bartender is one that I took on with great seriousness and feel that Maxim appeals uniquely to a high number of requirements.

“I look forward to seeing his creativity in action and most importantly enjoying time with our guests and inspiring our teams.”

In August, Schulte will embark on a three-week induction to The Savoy hotel, when he will learn about the “history, traditions and values” of the establishment. He will then work with the American Bar team to create a new cocktail menu.

Schulte said: “Becoming the head bartender of the American Bar fills me with much pride and honour. The bar has so much history and has contributed to most bar movements around the planet.

“The position obviously comes with a high status in the bar world, but what most thrills me is to be part of such an excellent team and one that has achieved so much over the years both in the American Bar and in The Savoy.

“It will be an amazing experience with much to learn and much to do. I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead and am bursting with anticipation.”

In September last year, Philippa Guy joined the American Bar as the venue’s first female senior bartender in 100 years.

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