TFN Talks with Martin Hudak
This week TFN Talks took a seat at the bar with Martin Hudak, an award winning mixologist, author of Spiritual Coffee, co-owner of internationally renowned Maybe Sammy Bar, Sammy Junior, and global ambassador for Mr Black Spirits, to talk about his meteoric rise in the hyper competitive world of elite mixology. In 2020 Martin was recognized by Forbes in their annual 30 under 30 list as one of the most talented and inspirational young personalities in Slovakia.
Martin, tell us about your career beginnings. When did you first decide that you wanted to be a mixologist?
I would say my interest for hospitality started during studies at Hospitality school. I did pretty much everything from kitchen, bar to reception and I really like it all. But in the end I stuck with coffee and cocktails and the whole cafe & bar world.
Tell us a little about your journey in the world of mixology. What have been some of the most unforgettable moments on your path to becoming one of the top guys in the game?
I started to work in my small hometown back in Slovakia right after graduation and while I was there for 5 years I did lots of competitions which helped me to build my knowledge, confidence and profile. I was lucky to visit countries like Cuba and Australia, and that really opened my eyes about what is out there and how much more I can learn.
After I felt I had nothing to gain or give in my town I decided to take the biggest challenge and move to the mecca of cocktail - London. I was quite lucky to get a job as senior bartender at a legendary American Bar at the longest standing five star hotel The Savoy. After nearly four years of serving celebrities, royalty and important people we've been recognised as the World's best bar in 2017 and World's best bar team. This was a huge achievement for me but I felt it is time to move again and challenge myself. That's why I decided to move to Australia and open my very own first bar - Maybe Sammy. And the rest is history.
Can you talk about some of the challenges you have encountered and overcome in your career?
I would say the biggest challenge would be to move away from my home - comfort zone and start on my own in the new country. Speaking different languages and being exposed to the high volume five star establishment. I had to learn a lot about etiquette, service & how to treat people from different backgrounds. That is the hardest part of our job, to know how to read people and how to make them happy.
We met when I was DJing Christmas Eve at Bali’s famous Aperitif Bar a week ago and you were the special guest mixologist. As I was mixing beats I would look over to the bar and there you were bouncing bubbles onto drinks off the side of your elbow. It was mesmerizing! How do you learn all those incredible tricks and how long does it take to become that good?
Hahaha I remember that ... There is no formula for this I would say. It is all about practice and repetition. And most importantly having fun and joy at work every day. This way you can experiment and create something unique and new for you and your guests to make their night more memorable.
Can you tell us about your new book? How did your journey into the world of coffee start?
As I said, I've always been in love with coffee. I have been competing for seven years in the world barista competitions and after being twice second in the world (Melbourne 2014 & Shanghai 2016) finally I became world champion in 2017 and that opened my door completely. I started to work with Mr Black Australian coffee liquor as Global Brand Ambassador to start promoting the coffee scene of Australia. Now at this moment I own my coffee brand and coffee shop and while the pandemic shut it all I took this chance to write a book about past, present and the future of coffee cocktails as nothing like that has ever been done before.
In 2017 you won the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship after your seventh attempt. Tell us about that experience. I think it’s an incredible story, which teaches us to never ever give up.
Exactly! You never lose, either you win or learn. And every year I learnt that I can do better and be better no matter what. I was quite stubborn when I was younger and of course with less experience. But the more you expose yourself to the challenges, the better you become. I would recommend every young bartender/barista to try competitions. You build nice relationships for life and also it is amazing to be part of this community.
How did you end up in Sydney after working at the Savoy and what is the story behind Maybe Sammy Bar?
I was in Australia a few times before for work and I really liked it here. When I met Stefano & Vince, my business partners I liked their enthusiasm and energy and we kind of clicked. So I decided to leave the world's best bar and institution like The Savoy and take the risk on the other side of the world. And I guess it worked ;D
Maybe Sammy is all about Hollywood glamour of the 50-60's, about Rat Pack, a time when music and entertainment was at its peak. We are trying to be timeless with a modern approach towards drinks, a place where you can have fun and be entertained. Every night we are trying to put on a big show for our guests to make sure they will never forget it and come back.
How did you become the global ambassador for Mr. Black and where has that partnership taken you?
I've been a fan of Mr Black for many years but only after I moved to Sydney I was approached by founder Tom Baker to take a role as their very first Global Coffee Ambassador. Now in our world we never had a role like this so this was something completely new for me and as well for them. In the last four years I've been lucky to open new markets for Mr Black across US, Europe or Asia. Some of the most memorable ones would be Japan, California or Italy. It is amazing to see how this small craft product from Australia took the world by the storm and became one of the best selling craft coffee liquors globally. Also I am very grateful that last year I got awarded in New Orleans as the world's best brand ambassador. Who would have thought that four years ago :)
What do you think sets you apart from other players in the game? What is your signature style?
I guess being in the world of coffee & cocktails at the same time is quite unique. Also having my own business, being ambassador and now being a published author makes a difference. Accolades are great but I am always trying to be myself and always deliver the same experience for my guests. There are so many amazing industry peers out there I look up to. We have truly one of the best industries in this world.
What advice would you give someone just starting out in your industry?
- Be humble and be patient
- Be better than yesterday
- Comfort is the enemy of the progress
- The Guest is the centre of your universe
- Don't take yourself too seriously but take your job seriously
What are some of your passions outside of work? I know that the nightlife industry can be as draining as it is exciting. How do you wind down and keep yourself going?
It is not as easy as I am a real workaholic and I love this job. But when I have time ( on the plane ) I read lots of books. Last year I did 24 and this year I am aiming a bit more. Also I do love nature and long walks, antiques and thrift shops and vinyls ( I have a nice collection but I guess you have bigger ones :D).
You are a fearless nomad by profession. What have been some of your favourite countries to perform your craft in and why?
That's a question I need to think about. Only last year I did 15 countries and 28 cities and before the pandemic twice more. But if I could pick only one I would choose Japan. I love their attitude and how humble the people are ... very inspirational
‘TFN Talks’ In Partnership with Tropical Nomad Coworking Space