Richard Woods

Richard Woods has been titled the World’s Most Imaginative Bartender. The owner of a global Top Ten bar, he is an authoritative voice on hospitality, as well as an advocate for sustainability within the industry. Richard, otherwise known as The Cocktail Guy, has won awards for his innovative creations, pushing the boundaries of cocktail making. As the Head of Spirit & Cocktail Development, he is tasked with reimagining traditional classics and producing new, never before tasted cocktails that excite the senses.

While spending a large portion of his early career in Surrey, Richard started working in a bar aged 18. This experience sparked his passion for hospitality, as he found great joy in hosting customers. Richard rose through the ranks until he was appointed Director of the company, but the face to face interactions with the public drew him back to behind the bar. It was during this period that he developed an interest in cocktails, in particular, the creative freedom and self-expression behind mixing drinks.

Richard prides himself on providing events with a difference. As a celebrity bartender, he can offer an insight into the limitless possibilities of cocktail making, as well as expert tips on mixing the perfect drink. Previous brand collaborations include Ritz, the cracker company, with whom Richard created a drink range to complement their new flavours. Imaginative, dedicated to his craft and utterly entertaining, his unique take on savoury drinks will incite audiences to experiment with cocktails themselves.

In 2017, this cocktail mastermind endeavoured to reduce the waste produced by the hospitality industry. From buying British ingredients to adopting zero-waste cocktails, he has dedicated his career to both serving the planet and his customers. As an event entertainer, he can provide cocktail demonstrations as well as discuss eco-friendly catering methods with corporate and public clients alike.