After graduating university with a journalism degree and a reluctance to work for the local press, Teesside-born Tom Walker decided to take a second job bar tending at Popolo Bar, Lounge and Restaurant in Newcastle to aid with his travelling funds. After tiring of the minimum wage, two job/ 70-hour week, Tom moved to Brisbane September 2009 and worked behind the bar Press Club, one of the oldest cocktail lounges in Queensland.
At the end of 2010, Tom moved to Edinburgh to work at the multi award-winning Bramble Bar & Lounge, one of the most distinguished bars in the UK and with a reputation that spreads across the globe. In conjunction with owners Jason Scott and Mike Aikman, and along with the rest of the Bramble team, Tom broadened his horizons with concepts such as vacuum distilling and barrel-ageing libations, whilst focusing on classic and classically styled drinks, a style that he continues and favours today.
After nearly two years in Edinburgh, Tom moved to London in June 2012 to work at the historic and prestigious American Bar at The Savoy. When not writing on his blog like he should be, he can also be found writing for Straight Up Australia, an online magazine and forum about bartending and the drinks industry. He may also be found making drinks, although most of them aren’t very good. Unless they’re someone else’s.
Hoping that Edinburgh is treating you well,
Dropped by Bramble to explore the cocktail world and was greeted one Tuesday evening by your hospitality and enthusiasm back in April.Spring has come and gone but the taste of tonka beans and dessert still keep the whimsy inside my belly smiling.
I just wanted to say thanks again and if you are ever in Helsinki,please dont hesitate to drop us a line and let us make you some food.
Enthusiastic Chef