Strangeway, Nick (1968–), is a celebrated London craft bartender. In 1988, while studying art by day, he began tending bar at Fred’s Club, where he met longtime mentor Dick Bradsell. The two went on to work together in other establishments, including the Flamingo, Detroit, and Dick’s Bar at the Atlantic Bar & Grill. See Atlantic Bar & Grill and Bradsell, Dick.
In 1998 Strangeway became bar manager for Che, which won the Evening Standard’s Bar of the Year during his tenure. In 2003, he moved to consulting, helping bars and restaurants develop their drinks programs and spirits companies develop their brands. In 2006 he signed on as manager for the opening of Hawksmoor Steakhouse, which won Best New Restaurant Bar that year. In 2008, he won the International Bartender of the Year award at Tales of the Cocktail. Strangeway also established long-term working relationships with a number of high-profile UK chefs, most notably Mark Hix, with whom he collaborated on Mark’s Bar in both the Soho Hix restaurant and the Belgraves Hotel.
Strangeway developed a global reputation as both an innovator and a mixed drinks historian. At Hawksmoor, for instance, he reintroduced London to the concept of punch, as well as instituting seasonal menus that often used ingredients for which he would forage. Among other product innovations, Nick is also a co-creator of Hepple Gin, which is produced in Northumberland in the United Kingdom. In 2013, he launched Absolut Craft, a limited edition line of naturally flavored vodkas. See
Martin, Richard. “Nick Strangeway Has Bartender Fatigue.” Food Republic, April 5, 2012. http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/04/05/nick-strangeway-has-bartender-fatigue/ (accessed March 12, 2021).
“Meet the Team.” Strangehill website. http://www.strangehill.co.uk/meet-the-team/ (accessed March 12, 2021).
By: Audrey Saunders