MERLIN GRIFFITHS
THE UK’S FAVOURITE TV BARTENDER
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
/ Television and presenting
/ Ambassadorial projects
/ Public speaking and seminars
/ Bar product development
/ Gin specialist
/ Bar business and finance
ABOUT MERLIN
Most notable for his role in Channel 4’s dating show, First Dates, welcoming ‘dates’ and putting them at ease over a delicious cocktail or two, Merlin started a life behind bars in 1995 in Soho at infamous dive bar, The Doghouse.
He learned his trade over the next 6 years around London’s West End and Soho, working at Little Havana, Voodoo Rooms and legendary nightclub The Velvet Room, before moving into bar management in West London’s Portobello Road area.
Whilst there he worked under Charlie McVeigh (My Million Pound Menu, BBC2) and Ben Reed (Drinks Author, Cocktail Credentials), learning the importance of service and high-end cocktails.
His next calling, India, saw a stint working for 5* Indian hotel chain Taj Hotels in Bangalore for two years as their Specialist Bartender before being headhunted by Bacardi Global Brands for the role of Global Ambassador, Bombay Sapphire Gin.
Merlin recently launched his own “Merlin by Bonzer” bar kit and contributes regular cocktail segments to Saturday Morning with James Martin (iTV), and has been included on Sunday Brunch (C4) and Good Morning Britain (iTV).
FIRST DATES ON CHANNEL 4, BAFTA, 2016
AWARDS & ACCOLADES