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All seatings are for a 2 hour period.
Formally The Lounge Bar, IB HQ, is a hidden cocktail bar. A brick and mortar space to showcase all results of research by the Indigenous Bartender, a platform that was created for like-minded bartenders (and foodies) looking to explore locally sourced ingredients and their uses with a culinary and creative approach. For reservations after 8pm today, please WhatsApp: +65 9152 4550
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Welcome to our contining series Bar Mavericks. Join us as we get up close and personal with some of the industry’s shining stars responsible for the ongoing transformation of the bar scene across Asia.
Join Chris Marshall as he goes in for a no-holds-barred discussion with Ronan Keilthy, Head Bartender at IBHQ cocktail bar in Duxton Road, Singapore.
Kamil Foltan is the co-owner of IBHQ cocktail bar in Duxton Road. Originating from the Czech Republic, his love of the bar industry began at a young age when he spent the better part of his childhood playing behind the bar as his father went about tending to his job as a waiter.
He learned at a very early age the art of service and making clients happy by helping his dad pull pints and pour lemonade. With over 16 years of bartending experience, Kamil has been fortunate to work in many cities across Europe and Asia including Prague, Dublin, London, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore under the mentorship of renowned mixologists such as Tony Conigliaro, Zdenek Kastanek, Ryan Clift and Dre Masso.
His experience has taught him all about the work that goes on behind the scenes of a successful bar, and he opened his own in September 2018. Kamil’s passion for combining memorable flavours is well known, “I love to meet and interact with new people, sharing my passion about flavours, methodology and what goes into cocktail making behind the scenes.”
In his opinion there are several elements that make for success in F&B. “I believe the ambiance; from décor to lighting, smell of the venue and music play a huge role in setting the mood.” “Secondly, it’s important that your menus cater to the concept. Sometimes you see menus that don’t represent the style of the venue and sometimes it is the other way around.”
Lastly, but most importantly, Kamil feels that any successful F&B operation is all about the staff who work there and run the bar on a day to day basis. Kamil says it is key to find talent that will maintain the consistency of your offering, from behind the bar to front of house that are judged by both experience and character.
“Let’s be honest, consumers, remember good times and staff that serve them, more than what they drink or eat, unless it’s a specialty. Service, attention to detail like topping up water, offering another beverage when the guests glass has 1/3 left, adjusting the lighting, welcoming your guests when they arrive and leave are just examples that makes us all feel appreciated, “ he adds.
Most importantly, KamiI likes to treat every guest at IBHQ as though they are his best friends and he is hosting them at home. But despite all this experience across different bars and numerous countries he rates his biggest achievement to date as making his wife falling in love with him.
“Since I met Zurina, I have strived to achieve in both my personal life and career, opening an F&B consulting business as well as opening IBHQ. Zurina is my inspiration and drive!”
Join Chris Marshall as he goes in for a no-holds-barred discussion with Ronan Keilthy, Head Bartender at IBHQ cocktail bar in Duxton Road, Singapore.
Kamil Foltan is the co-owner of IBHQ cocktail bar in Duxton Road. Originating from the Czech Republic, his love of the bar industry began at a young age when he spent the better part of his childhood playing behind the bar as his father went about tending to his job as a waiter.
He learned at a very early age the art of service and making clients happy by helping his dad pull pints and pour lemonade. With over 16 years of bartending experience, Kamil has been fortunate to work in many cities across Europe and Asia including Prague, Dublin, London, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore under the mentorship of renowned mixologists such as Tony Conigliaro, Zdenek Kastanek, Ryan Clift and Dre Masso.
His experience has taught him all about the work that goes on behind the scenes of a successful bar, and he opened his own in September 2018. Kamil’s passion for combining memorable flavours is well known, “I love to meet and interact with new people, sharing my passion about flavours, methodology and what goes into cocktail making behind the scenes.”
In his opinion there are several elements that make for success in F&B. “I believe the ambiance; from décor to lighting, smell of the venue and music play a huge role in setting the mood.” “Secondly, it’s important that your menus cater to the concept. Sometimes you see menus that don’t represent the style of the venue and sometimes it is the other way around.”
Lastly, but most importantly, Kamil feels that any successful F&B operation is all about the staff who work there and run the bar on a day to day basis. Kamil says it is key to find talent that will maintain the consistency of your offering, from behind the bar to front of house that are judged by both experience and character.
“Let’s be honest, consumers, remember good times and staff that serve them, more than what they drink or eat, unless it’s a specialty. Service, attention to detail like topping up water, offering another beverage when the guests glass has 1/3 left, adjusting the lighting, welcoming your guests when they arrive and leave are just examples that makes us all feel appreciated, “ he adds.
Most importantly, KamiI likes to treat every guest at IBHQ as though they are his best friends and he is hosting them at home. But despite all this experience across different bars and numerous countries he rates his biggest achievement to date as making his wife falling in love with him.
“Since I met Zurina, I have strived to achieve in both my personal life and career, opening an F&B consulting business as well as opening IBHQ. Zurina is my inspiration and drive!”
