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Maxim Schulte leaves The Savoy

The American Bar’s head bartender Maxim Schulte has left the London venue citing he “could not align” his vision with the restructuring plans of The Savoy.

Maxim Schulte joined The Savoy’s American Bar in 2018

Schulte has held the position of head bartender for The Savoy’s American Bar since August 2018, taking over the role from Erik Lorincz. Schulte cited “personal” reasons for his departure as the iconic five-star hotel begins a restructure.

Taking to Instagram earlier this week, Schulte said: “Unfortunately I am bringing sad news today, as I have to announce the end of my path with the American Bar.

“The reasons for me choosing to leave are personal, I could not align my vision and goals with the future structure and plans of The Savoy. I cannot comment on these details here, but the hotel will announce soon enough what the future looks like.

“It is not easy to leave a dream job, especially when I was not finished with my plans for the team and the bar. My goals were not reached and so many ideas will never see the light of day. Most of all I am sad to leave a team that brought me so much joy to work with, but I am sure they will all shine in whatever is to come next for them.

“I am sure that I will see you all again, hopefully sooner rather than later. I do not know what the future looks like, but I am looking forward to it. Great memories and stories have been made, and I will treasure them.”

Schulte previously worked as head bartender at The Ritz Carlton in Macau and has led bar teams in Bangkok and Saudi Arabia.

Declan McGurk departure

Meanwhile, Declan McGurk, who has been director of bars for The Savoy since 2013, also took to LinkedIn this week to share his departure, claiming it was “not the ending” he had planned.

In the post, he wrote: “Well today I announce the end to my most wonderful seven years at The Savoy. Not the ending I was planning but I wouldn’t change the past for anything.

“It has been a place that has well and truly got under my skin with my whole family becoming a part of it. Without a doubt the highlight has been the relationships forged with both team and guests alike. Who knows what the future holds for my career, but first step is enjoying a summer holiday.

“As for The Savoy I wish the future of that building and its people nothing but the best. It is magical and I look forward to visiting as a guest.”

In 2018, The American Bar at The Savoy scooped the title of World’s Best Bar at Tales of the Cocktail’s 12th annual Spirited Awards.

The Savoy has announced a number of changes in the past year. Pippa Guy, who became the American Bar’s first female senior bartender in 100 years in 2017, left the hotel last year to join a new venue in the States. Meanwhile, in December 2019, The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar appointed Enzo Sigaut as its new bar manager, taking over from Joe Harper.

The Savoy is expected to reopen in autumn 2020, however no official date has been set yet.

The Spirits Business has approached The Savoy for comment on the departures and the hotel’s future plans.

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