Peter Dorelli

[excerpted from author's website]
I was born in Rome, Italy and came to England when I was 18. I worked in hotels around the country and eventually in 1963 joined the Savoy Group at Stones Chop House in London as Head Barman of the Pebble Bar where I stayed until 1981. When the Company sold the restaurant, I moved to the American Bar of the Savoy Hotel itself as Assistant Head Barman, becoming Head Barman/Bar Manager in 1984 and remaining until I retired in 2003 at the age of 63.

I have been a member of the United Kingdom Bartenders Guild for over 30 years and was President from 1997-2004 . I am currently Education Secretary and have been involved with running their training courses. I am delighted to see the enthusiasm and energy of today's young bartenders. I am keen to ensure that they are given every opportunity not only to succeed but also to enjoy working in the cocktail world.

I have won several cocktail competitions in the past, including the MSS Europa Cocktail 1994 which I won with my “Elise” cocktail, named after my daughter. At the Bar Awards 2003 (in Association with Class Magazine) I received an award for “Outstanding Contribution” and at the Flavour Bar Awards 2004 an award for “Industry Personality”.

Over the years I have given many cocktail demonstrations and specially designed cocktails for numerous film and book launches, Royal and other national occasions. I have organised cocktail competitions, plus acted as judge on many occasions and continue to do so during my retirement. This includes acting as a global/international judge at the World Class Competition and at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, USA.. I also find time now for some consultancy work, special event work and masterclasses. Any time left over is devoted to my other passion – golf – and also to my family.