Patrick Mutua One Master Stroke At A Time

Patrick Mutua is kicking some serious goals – and to prove his mixology Might, he went ahead to win the 2018 DIAGEO World Class Bartender of the Year thanks to his extraordinary skills set. Sprinkle that with his drive to continuously evolve his craft, you would have to be made of stone to not be captivated. He describes himself as a very humble guy who loves to do a lot with drinks. He calls himself a drinks Doctor. We decided to uncork the makings of this stellar mixologist who is putting Kenya on the world mixology map.

- Jackline Mukami

CA: Tell us about your career as a bartender. How did you end up in such an offbeat, unconventional and cool profession?

PM: My journey has been so humble. I started from a very humble beginning in the hospitality industry which I joined looking forward to becoming a pastry chef. As I was waiting for a vacancy in the kitchen in the company I was working for, I was asked to assist in the bar as I wait for an opening in the kitchen. I was actually filling in for our glass hand when he was off day before they could find a replacement. Initially bartending was not my thing at all. I did not even have the confidence in it. However, after a while, I realized I had an interest in mixing drinks and playing around with the drinks and beverages. And that is how it all started. It happened that the company used to bring in a guy to train people on bartending and I found out I was among the guys shortlisted to attend the training. I remember complaining, I even went to the HR to protest that bartending was not my thing. I wanted to do pastry, but the HR would hear none of that. They could not do away with my name. So, I went for the training and emerged among two after the session. I got a permanent job with the company right and then. I was still waiting for an opening in the kitchen though, but I was doing a lot of magic in the bar and the clients were getting impressed. That pushed me to take bartending seriously. I have now been bartending for the last four years. This is my 5th year in the profession.

CA: What do you enjoy most about your career as a bartender?