Celebrating Alessandro Palazzi: Hospitality Hero Award Winner at the Mayfair Times Community Awards
We’re celebrating our bar manager, Alessandro, and his win in the prestigious Mayfair Times Community Awards, and sharing his journey in mixology.
At DUKES London, we don’t just make drinks; we create an experience, an occasion, something to celebrate, with each beverage meticulously crafted under the expertise of our very own Alessandro Palazzi.
So, we’re thrilled to announce that he’s recently been honoured with the Hospitality Hero Award at the prestigious Mayfair Times Community Awards — a deserving winner!
A testament to his unparalleled contribution to the world of hospitality, we’re honoured to have him as part of our expert team, and are looking forward to the future of DUKES with him heading up the bar…
Mayfair Times Community Awards: DUKES Bar
Nestled within the elegant confines of our DUKES London, our iconic bar is internationally renowned for concocting what some hail as the world's best Martinis, a sentiment echoed by The New York Times.
Frequented by none other than James Bond author Ian Fleming, DUKES Bar is said to be the inspiration behind the iconic 'shaken, not stirred' line.
About Alessandro, Our Mixology Maestro
Alessandro's journey in mixology began in 2001, when he joined DUKES Bar as a bartender under the guidance of the legendary Gilberto Preti.
After venturing to esteemed establishments like The Ritz in Paris and The Milestone Hotel London, he returned to DUKES in 2007.
Over the years, Alessandro has earned some incredible accolades, including the 'Best Bar Manager' award at the Class Awards during his tenure at The Great Eastern Hotel, London.
Mayfair Times Community Awards: Crafting Experiences
As a 'Keeper of the Quaich' and a member of the UK Gin Guild, Alessandro stands as a testament to unwavering commitment and expertise in the realm of spirits.
With over 20 years of experience, his journey reflects not just a career but a passion that started in 1975, igniting a love for hospitality that has only grown over the decades.
Alessandro's signature creations, including the renowned Fleming 89, showcase his ongoing commitment to excellence.
Collaborating with London-based perfumery Floris, the Fleming 89 Martini pays homage to James Bond, seamlessly blending the essence of DUKES Bar with the quintessential English fragrance.
His recent ‘Hospitality Hero’ accolade in the Mayfair Times Community Awards is testament to his passion, flair and creativity when it comes to crafting unique and unparalleled drinks.
Mayfair Times Community Awards: Honouring a Legend in Mixology
Beyond the bar, Alessandro often does seminars, where he teaches, excites, and moulds the minds of aspiring bartenders.
His advice to them is: “To become a bartender, you must be diplomatic, acrobatic, and charismatic. Once you understand these key ingredients, then you can make cocktails.”
Alessandro's dedication to DUKES London and the world of mixology has not only garnered awards — such as ‘Best Boutique Hotel Bar’ at the Boutique Hotelier Awards — but has also elevated the status of our bar to unparalleled heights.
As we celebrate his recent achievement with the Mayfair Times Community Awards, we invite you to join us at DUKES Bar for an unforgettable experience, where every cocktail tells a story, and every moment is crafted with true expertise.
Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to discover our exclusive London dining experience?