Alex Kratena is the highly affable and super talented Bar Manager at the widely lauded Artesian Bar at London’s Langham Hotel. He has brought together a crack team of gun mixologists behind his bar that have in turn brought in an ever increasing cabinet of trophies and awards, most notably taking out top spot at the annual Drinks International World’s Top 50 Bars. This Czech native continues to travel the world, spreading the wonderful knowledge and hospitality for which he has become famous.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST BAR YOU EVER WORKED IN? TELL US ABOUT IT
The first bar I ever worked in was my parents bar at home. As kids with my sisters, we had to prepare canapes and drinks for various parties my parents held . Wine, beer, simple highballs like Becherovka & Tonic, Fernet & Tonic, Campari & orange juice, whisky on ice, great fun!

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW? WHAT’S NEW & EXCITING IN THE DRINKS WORLD OF ALEX KRATENA?
Currently superbusy.com, working at Artesian, training abroad, preparing new exciting menu as well as couple of Artesian pop ups, writing articles and consulting for several brands, also developing line of fine china with our executive chef.

WHO ARE THREE OF THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE INFLUENCED & INSPIRED YOU ALONG THE WAY?
I feel the people who influenced me the most were those who showed me how not to do things and those who inspired me were all the top people doing best possible in their game. Some of my top people: Arnold, the guy who taught me English whilst washing dishes and cleaning toilets in the United States.

Eddy Koky, one of my old bosses who showed me the real face of nightlife

Ago Perrone, who is always there whenever I need any advice.

WHAT DO YOU DRINK WHEN . . . .
Before dinner: Campari & Tonic
You finish work: Moroccan mint tea with rosewater or Meantime wheat beer and a shot of Old Schiedam jenever
On a lazy Sunday afternoon: Pinot Noir or Ruinart Blanc De Blanc
When you’re contemplative: Talisker
When you can’t be bothered deciding: Whatever is in my glass
When the sun is beating down: Pilsner Urquell
When you’re lighting the fire: Merunkovica: home made apricot eau de vie from the Czech Republic
When you have to answer silly interview questions: Mezcal

WHAT’S YOUR ‘GO-TO’:
Aperitif: Tanqueray & Tonic
Digestif: Fernet Branca
Beer: Pilsner Urquell
Shot: Calle 23 reposado tequila
Mixed drink: Negroni
Guilty pleasure: Espresso. I can drink fifteen shots a day and still sleep like a baby when I get home.

WHAT WAS THE LAST AMAZING COCKTAIL THAT BLEW YOUR MIND? WHO WAS THE GUILTY BARTENDER?
Swanky Hanky Panky, twist on famous classic by my amazing girlfriend Monica Berg (gin, vermouth, fernet, champagne).

NAME 3 OF YOUR FAVORITE BARS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD AND WHY?
Blahovka – Brno, Czech Republic. A traditional Czech pub serving beer, traditional food and home made eau de vies. It’s simple, straightforward and always packed.

The Nomad – New York. A hotel bar to die for! 11 out of 10.

The Connaught Bar – London. Can you think of better place? Amazing drinks, professional yet friendly service, great atmosphere, very chic, sexy and glamorous!

YOUR HOUSE IS BURNING DOWN. WHAT’S THE ONE BOTTLE YOU GRAB? WHO DO YOU SHARE IT WITH?
I grab bottle of vintage Krug which is always in my fridge and drink it with friends in my new house!

WHAT DOES YOUR LOCAL BAR INDUSTRY NEED MORE OF?
More focus on guest service.

AND LESS OF?
Douchery.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE FANTASY DRINKING HOLIDAY DESTINATION (that you’ve yet to go on)?
Australia, I hear so many amazing things!

WHO IS SOMEONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON IN THE WORLD OF BARTENDING RIGHT NOW?
Simone Caporale from The Artesian Bar. 

WHAT’S THE ONE BOOK EVERY BARTENDER SHOULD OWN?
Setting the Table by Danny Meyer. 

WHAT’S THE BEST BAR IN YOUR CITY:
To unwind after work: Callooh Callay
Where you can be anonymous: Café Pacifico
For high end cocktails: The Connaught
For cheap booze and cheaper women: 24 hour Casinos around Leicester Square
For great bar food: El Camino
For live music: Dover Street
For a booze related ‘business’ meeting: China Tang @ The Dorchester
To impress overseas visitors: Bassoon Bar
To take your in-laws: Donovan’s at Brown’s Hotel
Where you can forget to pay your tab and still be allowed back:
I am the one who always gets to pick up other people’s tabs
Where you’ll always find off-duty bartenders: El Camino

IN WHAT BAR DO YOU FEEL MOST AT HOME AND WHY?
At Blahovka, probably my top favorite place in the world. My great grand father used to go there, so did my grand parents, my mother, people I grew up with as well as anyone else from the neighborhood.