Today I’m talking to Orlando Marzo. Ever since landing in London in 2009, Orlando has worked hard at some very good bars: he talks here a bit about The Player and Milk & Honey in London, two very consequential bars, and you get an insight into just how much work and preparation went into those roles, not just for Orlando but for everyone who worked at the group that owned it, The Rushmore Group. I’ve met a few people with Rushmore group training, and they’re invariably very good at whatever they do. The things Orlando learned there have stayed with him — he’s now an award-winning bartender, with Eau de Vie Melbourne, Dinner by Heston, Lume and many more top-end Melbourne bars on his resume. These days he splits his time between the bar consultancy world, which he talks about here, and his own beautifully packaged bottled cocktail brand, Loro.

On this episode I ask him about what it was he learned in London that set him up for today, what his week looks like, how he goes about his consultancy work, and how he developed not just the brand for Loro, but the drinks and market positioning as well. 

It’s a little longer chat than usual, but that’s just because I enjoy talking shop with Orlando any chance I get. This is one for those of you who are looking to strike out from behind the bar, whether it’s with a product of your own, or launching your own business based on your expertise.