Valentina Mircea

Born in Romania and trained in London, Valentina Mircea is an award-winning bar manager with over six years of experience working with Hilton. She began her career in hospitality at London’s iconic Hilton Park Lane, where she was Conference and Events Manager, and joined Hilton Molino Stucky Venice following several years as Destination Bar Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton.

Sunset Shades

Situated in Italy’s iconic Venice on the peaceful island of Giudecca, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is a modern Venetian masterpiece. Formerly a flour mill factory, this listed building has been beautifully restored with a series of recent refurbishments including sophisticated rooms and spacious elegant suites – some boasting incredible views of picture-perfect Venice. The Presidential Suite at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is the highest and largest suite in town with private access to the hotel’s rooftop, which hosts a pool and Skyline Bar – the highest bar in Venice with incredible panoramic views of the city and amazing mixologists. This five-star hotel on the water offers guests 379 rooms and suites, one of the largest spas in Venice, an award-winning conference centre and a collection of bars and restaurants to choose from.

Spiramisu

 Name three cocktails which are a must have while at your bar.

• Negroni Delight – honours tradition and innovation with a touch of sustainability
  Elegant Mediterranean fragrances of juniper are intertwined with green and herbaceous scents. The salty flavour of Salicornia is complemented by the soft and smooth aftertaste of the house vermouth. Garnished with sparkling Campari pearls that evoke the charm of a Venetian night. Sustainability tip: When your bubbles go flat, turn them into something extraordinary and environmentally friendly. Our homemade vermouth, crafted from flat champagne, showcases our commitment to sustainability while adding a unique dimension to our cocktails.

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• Crystal Martini – a contemporary twist on a passion martini, clarified and delicious – best seller for the summer so far
  Inspired by the fruit markets of Venice, this cocktail exemplifies the vibrant spirit of the city. Let the velvety passion transport you to a fruit paradise, where every moment is infused with the essence of love and adventure.
• Umami – yuzu and mango dancing with the best tequila for cocktails – Altos tequila, a beautiful harmony of sweet, sour, salty and bitter taste sensations all at once
  A mysterious blend of oriental spices, a tropical fruit and South American ingredients: close your eyes and let yourself be transported to all the places in the world, where every flavour is a revelation. Sustainability tip: Our mango foam and mango juice are homemade using the whole fruit to ensure nothing gets wasted. By incorporating both the pulp and the juice of the mango, we extract its full elixir, creating a vibrant and flavourful mix.

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Which is your signature cocktail?

• Negroni Delight – Gin dei Sospiri from the lagoon, Rabitt Bitter from Treviso, our own house vermouth that celebrates sustainability, crafted from flat champagne and prosecco with a touch of magic and of course Campari & Campari Caviar
• The Golden Serenissima – my love letter to Venice, shimmered in gold dust

After Dawn

What is your advice to aspiring bartenders and bar managers?

Hospitality today looks very different than 9 years ago when I started my career, but for me one thing remains the same – hospitality is a vocation and I believe the main element in your day to day at work and in everything you do needs to be passion. For those looking to carve out a successful career as a bartender or bar manager, it’s essential to blend passion & skills, and a strong sense of hospitality. Start by mastering the basics—knowing your drinks inside and out, from classic cocktails to the nuances of beer and wine, while also honing the techniques that make for consistently excellent drinks. But technical skills are just the beginning. The heart of bartending lies in creating a welcoming atmosphere, engaging with guests, and reading the room to ensure everyone has a great experience. Efficiency is crucial—keeping your bar organized, working clean, and managing time well during busy shifts will help you maintain quality service, don’t be afraid to batch your signature cocktails, they provide consistency of service.

Continuous learning is vital—attend workshops, stay updated on industry trends, and don’t shy away from experimenting to develop your unique style.

For those aspiring to management, the role expands to understanding the business side—knowing your numbers; a cocktail can be amazing, a manager role is to ensure that cocktail stays amazing through busy times and it has the right added value for the guest. Managing inventory, and driving promotions to keep the bar thriving plus having the right strategic partners and marketing yourself as a brand is crucial in the current market. Building and leading a strong team is also key; hiring the right people, training them well, and fostering a positive work environment can make all the difference. All these elements together create not just a good bartender or manager, but a memorable and successful bar experience.

Eco Brew

What is the USP of your bar?

At our bar, we pride ourselves on a unique blend of sustainability and personalized experiences that sets us apart. Our commitment to the environment is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from sourcing locally-produced, eco-friendly ingredients to minimizing waste in our cocktail creations.

But what truly elevates your experience is our distinctive touch-points: each cocktail is a story told by the bartender who crafted it. You’ll find their name on your drink, along with a QR code that allows you to watch them in action, preparing the very cocktail you’re enjoying. This not only connects you to the artistry behind the bar but also transforms every sip into a truly interactive and memorable experience.

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At work, which is your most challenging activity and why?

One of the most challenging as well as one of the most exciting activities in my work is that of continuing to re-invent delicious and unique beverages in a sustainable way, which I am so passionate about. Always pushing myself and my team to explore, invent and re-invent our recipes and to draw inspiration from our destination and the beautiful city of Venice is also what first helped me integrate into the local community – which, especially as an expatriate, has its own set of challenges. Venice is a city rich in tradition and local customs which deserve to be shared and are a beautiful inspiration but can only be explored by building strong relationships with local people, passionate producers and other colleagues from the industry which helped me thrive in this beautiful city.

Crystal-Martini-2

When are you happiest?

I’m happiest when I get to take my team out to explore cocktails in the city together. There’s something special about sharing a perfectly crafted Negroni or Martini while discussing flavours, trends, and techniques in a relaxed setting. These moments strengthen our bond, spark creativity, and remind us why we love what we do. It’s the perfect blend of camaraderie, professional growth, and a shared passion for the craft.

Sunset Shades

Which is your favorite city for food, travel and fashion?

My favorite city for food, travel, and fashion is undoubtedly London. Having lived there for seven years, I’m constantly amazed by the city’s vibrant energy and endless creativity. The cocktail scene is simply unmatched, with everything from hidden speakeasies to glamorous rooftop bars offering unique, world-class experiences. London is always buzzing with life, and what I love most is its diversity and freedom—there are no fashion restrictions here. You can be whoever you want to be, and that sense of openness and innovation permeates every aspect of the city, from its eclectic food offerings to its cutting-edge fashion scene. London never ceases to inspire me.

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How many people are part of your team and how do you plan to make a guest’s experience special while they are a guest in your bar?

At our bar, the guest experience is crafted by a diverse team of 10 dedicated professionals, each bringing their own unique flair to the table. Leading by my side is our exceptional female bar supervisor, whose expertise ensures everything runs smoothly. Our young head bartender from Como is a mixology enthusiast, always innovating and adding fresh twists to our cocktail menu. We’re also proud to have a senior bartender with extensive experience in Sake, enriched by years spent living in Japan and China, who infuses our offerings with cultural depth. Complementing them are three young bartenders, all driven by a passion for competition and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity. Our host, with their warm smile, welcomes every guest, setting the perfect tone for their visit. Meanwhile, our three talented waitresses excel at upselling signature cocktails, enhancing the overall experience with their knowledge and charm. Together, our team’s distinct personalities and passions shine through in every drink they craft and every interaction they have, ensuring that each guest enjoys a truly memorable and personalized experience.

NEGRONI DELIGHT – By Valentina (strong – spicy – bitter)

Negroni Delight

• Gin Sospiri 30 ml
• Campari 20 ml
• Rabitt Bitter Premium 20 ml
• House Vermouth 20 ml
• Campari Caviar as garnish

Elegant Mediterranean fragrances of juniper are intertwined with green and herbaceous scents. The salty flavor of Salicornia is complemented by the soft and velvety aftertaste of the house vermouth. Garnished with sparkling Campari pearls that evoke the charm of a Venetian night.

Sustainability Tip: When your bubbles go flat, turn them into something extraordinary and environmentally friendly. Our homemade vermouth, crafted from flat champagne, showcases our commitment to sustainability while adding a unique dimension to our cocktails.

What is the secret for making a perfect cocktail?

The secret to making a perfect cocktail begins with passion and a clear vision. Start by immersing yourself in the flavour profile you want to achieve, ensuring a harmonious balance between sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and alcohol. Choose the right glassware to complement the drink, and use the appropriate ice to maintain the perfect temperature and dilution. Crafting a cocktail isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s about telling a story from the moment you begin. Every detail, from the choice of garnish to the technique used, should align with this narrative. By committing fully to each element and envisioning the cocktail in its entirety from the start, you create a drink that is not only perfectly balanced but also compelling and memorable.