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Cal Ross is the friendly face that greets you the second you walk into Parasol and Swing, or the wine pop-up downstairs, Brolly. His cheeky British banter and contagious laugh has gained him a reputation for impeccable customer service, which ended up winning him the Lewisham Award for Outstanding FOH for 2023. I sat down with him with a cocktail in my hand, as we often do, to ask about his past, present, and future in our thriving industry.
Cal Ross is the friendly face that greets you the second you walk into Parasol and Swing, or the wine pop-up downstairs, Brolly. His cheeky British banter and contagious laugh has gained him a reputation for impeccable customer service, which ended up winning him the Lewisham Award for Outstanding FOH for 2023. I sat down with him with a cocktail in my hand, as we often do, to ask about his past, present, and future in our thriving industry.
PJ: You started your career in the UK. What did you drink over there, and how does it differ to your current favourite drinks?
Cal: Well, I come from a nightclub background. I have broadened my palate by bartending behind more high end bars with more elevated offerings, so the difference in terms of what I drank back in the UK, and what I drink now, is chalk & cheese. I have literally gone from drinking a $2 pint of Murphys every night after a long shift, to exploring more unique classics, usually stirred down and booze forward, with the odd craft beer on occasion of course.
PJ: Brolly is a very customer service forward bar. What has shaped you to become so passionate about customer service?
Cal: I haven't always had the tools to maximise customer experience, but I have always had a desire to please people. There is nothing that makes me happier than making a customer feel special and appreciated.
PJ: From your perspective at Parasol and Swing and Brolly, what drinking trends have you seen emerge recently? Which ones do you think are exciting, and which do you want to see die?
Cal: I have noticed a new wave of people trying their hands at fermentation a lot more recently, which is exciting and overwhelmingly positive as not only does fermented drinks have positive health benefits but essentially help the environment as well by reducing the amount of waste that bars produce. As for drink trends I am happy to see die, the parmesan espresso martini from TikTok would most likely be up there for me.
PJ: You recently won the award for Outstanding Front of House at the Lewisham Awards. Congratulations! You looked very handsome in your suit. (Not a question, just flirting).
Cal: Thank you, I felt handsome. Gutted I didn't have you on my arm where you belong (not an answer, just flirting).
PJ: Recently, you’ve entered a fair few cocktail competitions, which is outside of your comfort zone. But you’re doing well, making it to the Top 7 for the Stoli Elit Masters in NZ! Where do you get your ideas and inspirations for new drinks?
Cal: It certainly is out of my comfort zone - you're right. I will be completely honest, I am actually entering these comps because of my Lewishams win. I didn't expect to be nominated in a million years, let alone win. It got me thinking, maybe my lack of self confidence has been holding me back? I have a few ideas up my sleeve - why don't I give it a bash?
As for my ideas, my process at this stage is simply developing concepts from a single idea, whether it be a place, a flavour, a fruit or even a name, and coming up with supporting flavours and characters accordingly.
Born from passion and nurtured with love, this delicious spirit is the brainchild of two visionary co-founders, Stephanie Jordan being one of them. As she sat in a charming café in Amsterdam chatting with me via Google Meet, her eyes sparkled with pride and excitement as she delved into the story of her beloved "baby," Avallen.
Enter Salut Salut, an intimate hole-in-the-wall Spanish wine bar. Despite its cosiness, Salut Salut has an impressive range of wines as well as a handful of spirits and predominantly NZ beers.
Cal Ross is the friendly face that greets you the second you walk into Parasol and Swing, or the wine pop-up downstairs, Brolly. His cheeky British banter and contagious laugh has gained him a reputation for impeccable customer service, which ended up winning him the Lewisham Award for Outstanding FOH for 2023. I sat down with him with a cocktail in my hand, as we often do, to ask about his past, present, and future in our thriving industry.