A moment with … Julian Serna, Bar Mentor of The Lo & Behold Group
A new perspective on an age-old technique
The Lo and Behold group's new bar mentor is all about theatrics and creating innovative cocktails.
The cocktail scene in Singapore has grown rapidly over the years, with our little red dot being dubbed the crown cocktail city of Asia by some. Right at the forefront of the scene is Julia Serna, group bar mentor to F&B giant, the Lo and Behold group.
Previously from one of the world’s 50 Best Bars — Eau De Vie in Melbourne, Julian Serna is known for marrying kitchen techniques and notions with mixology and cocktail making. He currently oversees some of the most innovative concepts and establishments in Singapore such as the White Rabbit, OverEasy and the Powder Room, each with its own unique style and experience.
We sat down with Serna to talk about his work at Lo and Behold’s The Powder Room and what he thinks of Singapore’s cocktail scene.
Serna helms The Powder Room, a cocktail bar above The Black Swan restaurant.
I started out bartending … many moons ago when I was studying Hotel Management. It seemed like the natural thing to do. I gravitated towards the bar and enjoyed working nights; I quickly developed a passion for bartending and fell in love with creating new drinks and serving people.
I originally came here in 2009 through my creative agency – Pure Drinks Design … Back then bartending was an underdeveloped market and I saw unlimited potential. So when the opportunity arose to come back, I jumped at the chance.
Serna loves theatrics, as seen with his cocktail “Playing With Fire.”
Singapore is definitely the next emerging cocktail destination … it has come very far in the last five years, particularly the last two. There are so many new bars and restaurants, and more importantly the standard of service and guest experience has risen to a new level.
I drink pretty much everything … There is no perfect cocktail, it’s about what each person likes. For me it’s about flavours. The drink has to have multi-layers of flavour, great balance and harmony that also complement the base spirit.
A heavy dose of fun, flavour and equal parts balance — Julian’s cocktail philosophy.
My philosophy towards cocktails is … a heavy dose of fun, flavour and equal parts balance.
Staying ahead of the competition … takes research and development. Market visits within Asia, as well as “cocktail meccas” like Paris, Sydney, New York and London.
My personal drink of choice would be … tequila.
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