Best Barkeeper Talent 2022

Valentin Matter: "Hard work is rewarded".

Valentin Matter took the path to the bar world out of conviction and passion. At the moment, the Barkeeper from St. Gallen's Einstein Bar is taking nothing but positives from the Best Barkeeper Talent award. What he plans for the future, he reveals in a conversation with BAR NEWS.

For me, the award is a sign that hard work and a goal are always worthwhile. This is what the Best Barkeeper Talent award stands for. It gives me an exceptionally positive feeling," says Valentin Matter during an interview after the 20th SWISS BAR AWARDS.

The award is now in the showcase of the Einstein Bar in St. Gallen after its tour of Matters' family, friends and colleagues in the gym. There, the native Frenchman from Nice works as Barkeeper.

100 percent in the right place

After graduating from a technical high school with a chosen major in education and a goal of teaching sports, Matter knows "100 percent" that he wants to work at and behind the bar. "I got into the bar scene as a barback when I was 18. I liked it so much from the start that I always looked forward to the working weekend, even though I only polished glasses at first," recalls the now 23-year-old.

His path is a classic one. He works his way from barback to service and, after training at the European Bartender School (EBS) in July 2020, all the way to behind the bar. It was the first course to take place after the initial lockdown. "It was a special time for all of us, but also for the instructors who were finally allowed to get back to the start line," Matter recalls of the first bar openings after the initial lockdown.

Award for his parents and fellow

"Of course I can be proud of this award, but it is not only a personal achievement," he thinks. He says he owes a great debt of gratitude above all to his parents. "They have been behind me since day one. They are my first and best fans. That's why the award also goes to them and many other fellow human beings," says Matter.

He counts among them the staff at the Einstein Bar's bar and kitchen, who have always been there to help him with drink creations and experiments. "Erik, Nicole and I, we're like a small, close family here. It was with Nicole that I mixed the first drink," says the award winner.

Valentin remains Valentin

Valentin Matter moved to St. Gallen from Nice at the age of 14 and is now firmly rooted. At the hotel bar with international guests, his language advantage makes itself positively felt, especially when guests from France, England or even Quebec arrive at the hotel.

In the next few weeks, he still wants to enjoy the victory and "celebrate with his people. In the future, however, "Valentin wants to remain Valentin" and not take off, but sharpen his focus on the work. "I want to develop further here and set further stages with the bar. This fulfills me," says the lover of French spirits. Cognac, Calvados or Pastis from the homeland are already fixed components on the menu as in the teamwork for new creative drinks. "I'm happy when I can put them on the menu.

Working on the drinks together is a lot of fun and results in a great mix of classics, signatures and twists every time," says the sports fanatic. Sport will always be part of the former competitive swimmer's life. Travel and educational trips to distilleries in France, Scotland, or to the agave harvest in Mexico are also important to him.

"I'm excited to bring my own creations to the bar menu."

Valentin Matter, Best Barkeeper Talent 2022

In the future, he could imagine maybe opening his own bar someday. "Or a cocktail catering business. Besides, I love ice cubes, so maybe I'll start an ice cream factory one day. I have lots of ideas in my head, but at the moment I want to stay here, develop myself and serve my guests," says the Best Barkeeper Talent 2022, considering herself lucky. For quick, short trips in between, he still has his motorcycle. When the weather doesn't cooperate, it's music and books that offer him relaxation and further education.

Valentin Matter has tasted his drink "Le 42+" almost as often as it contains Appenzeller herbs. This drink contains Appenzeller Alpenbitter, Martell VS Kaffir Infused, Bols Triple Sec, Lemon Juice, Homemade Apricot Purée, G.H. Mumm Champagne. It was worth it.

This article appeared in
Issue 5-2022

BAR NEWS magazine as single issue

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