Meet Your Mixologist: Nebojsa Kutlesic, Skylon
Skylon on London’s Southbank is a magnet for lovers of well-crafted cocktails, excellent food and stunning views, but it’s the cocktails we’re most interested in. To get the lowdown we caught up with Skylon’s manager Nebojsa Kutlesic to discover his favourite and secret ingredients, where he drinks on a night off and how Tom Cruise got him into mixology.
How did you first get into cocktails?
Watching the movie 'Cocktail' with Tom Cruise and cocktail making sessions at house parties in my home town made me want to take this passion further to a professional level.
Where did you first work as a cocktail maker/bartender?
Before joining Skylon, I worked at the Berkeley Knightsbridge where I rediscovered my love for cocktail making again.
What was the first cocktail you made?
I remember, the first cocktail I made was a Negroni back at home in Serbia, which feels like long time ago now!
What’s so good about working at Skylon?
Our guests, many of them regular guests and the team that make all the difference!
What’s your favourite spirit to work with?
I love working with whiskies, especially the Dalmore range.
Other than Skylon, which London bars do you enjoy drinking at?
I prefer to visit bars where I have never been before. If I am going out with friends than I would always choose a nice hotel bar like the Connaught bar.
When you’re not behind the bar what do you like to do?
Playing football on Sundays and meeting friends for lunch.
What’s your secret ingredient?
I like to experiment with floral notes such as lavender and elderflower.
Why is Perrier such a good ingredient to work with?
Because of its natural fizziness it is the perfect base for a refreshing, fresh drink!
Skylon, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX
