Name: Gracie Hardy
Nicknames: Goggins
Pronouns: She/Her
Job Title: Bartender
How long have you worked at Project Halcyon: I’ve been part of the team since the start
Any Awards or accolades: We were one to watch 2023, Manchester’s best new bar that same year and were just announced as number 21 on the top 50 awards this year. I have also been nominated as Manchester’s Rising Star 2024.
Key Skills: Well, the boss tells me I’m the most hospitable person he’s ever worked with, but I suppose he’s contractually obliged to say nice things about me
What got you into cocktail bars?
I started working weekends on the side of my office work for a friend who needed some extra help at her bar. I quickly fell in love with the hustle and bustle of bar service and being able to give people an amazing experience. I soon after left office work and never looked back. I've honestly never been happier or more fulfilled in my work.
How many years have you worked in the industry?
I have been working in the industry for just over 2 years now and it's amazing. There's always something new to learn and always something happening.
What makes a great cocktail bar?
Honestly, it's the people that work there. You can have the most beautiful venue with the best backbar and the most perfect cocktail menu, but if the people who work there are not happy and not giving the best hospitality none of it matters. It always comes down to the small details, checking water is topped up, if someone leaves their table put their drink in the freezer. If someone asks about part of the bar, show them and explain. take the time with your guests, we are the show. They're what makes our industry great, and we are what makes cocktail bars great.
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
I love how it is always changing. Even in the 2 years that I have been working in the industry it has changed in the ways a lot of bartenders work and bars serve their guests. At Halcyon we strive to constantly keep up to date with the latest methods going and we look at how that could be applied to ourselves and how/ if it would be effective for our service and our guests.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the industry?
Be present and confident, make sure you show up to as many events, tastings and masterclasses as possible, especially if you have said you will be attending. These things are held for us to learn and help with our knowledge and skills, take advantage of it. Be the first in the room and the last out and introduce yourself to everyone. It can be daunting at the start when you don't know anyone, but we all started somewhere, and we all want the best for each other. Also do remember to stay humble most of all.
What does being a Top 50 Cocktail Bar mean to you?
Being recognised as one of the UK’s best is just a huge testament to all of the team's hard work, it is a great motivator for the whole team, and we always see such a fantastic increase in new guests coming to visit us as the word gets out. The support Top 50 provides independent bars like our own is invaluable.
Favourite drink?
My favourite drink is an Old Fashioned which was the first cocktail I ever had and what made me fall in love with cocktails. I love how it is such a simple drink with three ingredients and yet it's so complex at the same time. Just by changing one factor can create a whole different drinking experience. I don't believe anyone doesn't like an Old Fashioned they just haven't found their Old Fashioned yet.
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What is the best cocktail bar you've ever visited?
The best cocktail bar I've visited is The Domino Club in Leeds. I visited last year and fell in love immediately with the ambiance, the live band and the service was perfection, as were the drinks we had. It was everything I love in a cocktail bar. When I left, I told my friends that the way I felt right then was what I hope every guest feels when they leave Project Halcyon.
What do you enjoy most about working at Project Halcyon?
Aside from my guests, I love working with my team most. Being able to spend so much time with a group of people who are just as passionate about what we do as I am is a genuine joy and I adore being with them. Each member of my team is crazy talented in different ways and it's amazing to see how all of those talents combine together to create this incredible bar experience.
What does the future hold for you?
In the short term, we have a 2nd volume of our current menu concept coming out later this year, so as usual it's head to the grindstone working on new and exciting drinks. I really want to put a big focus into entering more competitions this year, they’re always a great opportunity to connect and meet new people. I’ll be conducting my first bar takeover this year, which I’m really excited for, martinis for the people.
In the future, who truly knows. I know I enjoy the advocacy side of this industry very much; I’d love to be in a position one day to help craft a new generation of hospitality professionals. I want to continue the cycle of creating opportunities like Halcyon has created opportunities for me.
