Winning Bartender of the Year at 30 Best Bars India is no small feat, and for Aditya Tribhuvan from Hideaway -Goa, it’s proof that dedication, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of growth can take you to the top. Not only did he take home the industry’s top individual honoUr, but he was also part of the team that won Best Bar Team, showing that success isn’t just about great drinks—it’s about building something bigger.
In this rapid-fire Q&A, Aditya Tribhuvan shares what sets him apart, the sacrifices behind the success, and the advice he’d give to the next generation of bartenders. And while we see eye to eye on a lot, one thing we don’t? The fate of the Cosmopolitan -he’s ready to see it gone, while I’ll be over here, still enjoying mine.
“We learn something new every day, and everyone on our team has the freedom to explore their own interests.“
Q1. Winning Bartender of the Year is a huge achievement. What do you think set you apart?
I am always late. Just kidding!
Constant learning, training, and always showing up. I genuinely enjoy talking to people and making their day in any way I can.
Q2. Hideaway also won Best Bar Team. What’s the secret to building an award-winning team?
We admire what chefs do and take a lot of inspiration from how a kitchen operates. Our entire bar setup is structured like a kitchen—fast, efficient, well-organized, and most importantly, fun. We learn something new every day, and everyone on our team has the freedom to explore their own interests. We work hard, support each other through everything, and bring our unique personalities to the table.
Q3. What skills or mindset shifts helped you go from a good bartender to a great one?
Every bartender dreams of opening their own bar. But I realized early on that simply being a good bartender isn’t enough. Running a bar requires much more than just making great drinks. So, I started focusing on other aspects—guest relations, social media, music selection, accounting, maintenance, and, most importantly, organizational skills. Learning to align my thoughts, goals, team dynamics, and daily responsibilities helped me achieve more.
Q4. What sacrifices or challenges did you face on your way to the top?
I love my mornings, but working evening shifts means I struggle to get much done during the day. I often feel like I’m in energy-saving mode until my shift starts, and by the time I’m done, most things and people aren’t available. That means sacrificing a lot of personal time and missing important moments with friends and family. This industry is intense—it demands a lot from you, but it also gives back in its own way.
Q5. If a young bartender wants to win Bartender of the Year, what’s one piece of advice you’d give them?
Be the last one to leave and the first one to show up. It applies everywhere. A good cry in the cold room or a store really helps. Totally worth it.
Q6. What’s something you wish you knew earlier in your career?
You can’t build both wealth and health just by being a bartender.
Q7. What’s your biggest pet peeve behind the bar?
Entitled guests! We are servers, not servants. Don’t be a dick—be nice. :)
Q8. Is there a skill you’re still mastering?
Photography. And sharpening my ability to see through people’s bullshit.
Q9. What’s your most loved cocktail and why?
A good ol’ Negroni. Apparently, I’m funnier when I drink one. And I know my humour sucks.
Q10. What cocktail do you wish to never see again for the rest of your life?
It’s time for Cosmopolitans to leave the building.
So, there you have it. If you want to check-in for more pearls of wisdom, you can find Aditya at Hideaway Goa, and follow his work on @Spiritheory
