In the first episode of our Tales of the Cocktail 2026 series, Damian sits down in New Orleans with legendary bartender and hospitality leader Leo Robitschek.
Leo helped transform Eleven Madison Park from a busy New York restaurant into a three-Michelin-starred institution and the number one restaurant in the world. He later created the acclaimed bar programmes at The NoMad, becoming a managing partner and helping expand the brand from New York to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and London.
Over a low-ABV tomato and basil Negroni, Leo explains why exceptional hospitality begins with culture rather than cocktails. He shares how collaboration between the bar, kitchen and dining room changed Eleven Madison Park, why the world’s best bars need a distinctive identity, and how training people to understand “why” is more powerful than simply teaching them what to do.
The conversation also explores staff education, empowering junior team members, turning difficult guests into loyal fans, avoiding the destructive pursuit of perfection, and Leo’s latest project, Second Sip: a 20% ABV London Dry-style gin designed to deliver the full experience of a Martini or Negroni with half the alcohol.
This is a practical masterclass in building bar culture, developing hospitality teams and creating experiences that guests genuinely remember.
12:20 – The need for “more Miles Davis”
How Eleven Madison Park realised that technical excellence was not enough without a distinctive identity of its own.
23:10 – Caviar and Cheez-Its
Leo reveals how one carefully observed hospitality gesture transformed a sceptical guest into a loyal fan.
25:15 – What would people miss if your bar closed?
A powerful question for any bar seeking to understand its identity, purpose and place within its community.
31:45 – Building a culture of continuous education
How peer-led learning, regular tastings and professional development helped The NoMad create a more engaged team.
33:05 – Teach the “why,” not just the “how”
Why great hospitality requires employees who understand the purpose behind the standards and feel empowered to use their own judgment.