Todays’ Q&A is a double whammy with two key team members from The Green Room Wine Bar in Edinburgh’s West End. Owner and Sommelier, Ghislain Aubertel shares his experience and passion for the world of wine, whilst Tom Johnston, Manager and Mixologist gives his insights into trends and tastes in the world of cocktails. Read on to find out more.
Owner & Sommelier: Ghislain Aubertel
Tell us more about The Green Room.
The Green Room is a place for wine enthusiasts, opened by a bunch of guys, themselves wine-lovers, I’m one of them! It’s located in a lovely little street, in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. It’s the perfect place to stop for a glass or two and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
What do you love about being a sommelier?
Sharing my knowledge and working with others who share the same passion. We’ve a lovely sommelier working alongside me, Elena. She has a real passion for wine, a great palate for tasting and selecting the wines and is always happy to advise and recommend to our customers. Our list is produced by the two of us.
Which wine are you drinking now (on trend / seasonal) and which will you always be drinking (classic)?
I’m now drinking more whites; Viognier is my glass just now. Will go back to Pinot Noir comes September. Pinot Noir is my favourite red, can be from anywhere, Burgundy, Dundee Hills or Otago, I just love it!
Where is your own Hidden Edinburgh?
If I want to go out and sip a glass of wine, I’ll go to Smith and Gertrude.
Life Motto.
Be Happy, life is too short!!
Manager & Mixologist: Tom Johnston
Tell us of your experience in the world of bars before The Green Room.
I have managed a variety of different venues, from boutique hotels, country pubs, a whiskey dive bar and a high-end cocktail bar in a hair salon in Sydney.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the simple things to do with it, such as seeing a room full of people enjoying themselves.
Please share with us the latest trends and any predictions you have for future trends when it comes to the cocktail scene?
I think the most important trend is that cocktails will continue to become more and more popular, and it won’t be long until we see little village pubs with shakers on the bar and staff that really know what they are doing with them.
What’s the key to a perfect pour?
Confidence. People need to believe that they know what they are doing, and that they are doing it right. A simple and elegant garnish doesn’t hurt either.
Which cocktail are you drinking now (on trend / seasonal) and which will you always be drinking (classic)?
Recently I’ve been drinking Red Hooks, a version of a Manhattan named after another district of New York. It’s bringing me a lot of inspiration for our Winter cocktail list. My go to cocktail must be a Daquiri!
Which three words best describe The Green Room?
Understated, low-key, classic.
Where is your own Hidden Edinburgh?
Well, when I like to hide away you might catch me at The Star Bar or the Jolly Judge.
Life Motto?
Drink better wine!
Address: The Green Room, 19-25 William St, Edinburgh EH3 7NG
Website: www.thegreenroomedinburgh.co.uk
