The Refinery

Cocktail Kitchen

CKS April 13 2011: Bartender Jay Jones

Bartender: Jay Jones
From: The Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver

 

About Jay Jones:

CSS, Principal, Barjonesing

A Vancouver native, Jay Jones has spent his life loving drink & food. First pursuing a career in art & design, he switched to Hospitality fourteen years ago. By 1999, Jay found himself managing the Bar program at Araxi in Whistler, then moving back to Vancouver to take the position of Bar Manager & Wine Director at West. After five successful years there and several wine list and bartending accolades, he went on to launch the Bar program at Nu, followed by an oppourtunity as opening General Manager at Salt Tasting Room. The following year brought Jay to Donne!y Hospitality Management, and an exciting role as Bar & Beverage Manager; overseeing the cocktail program development throughout the companies expanding group of lounges, pubs and nightclubs. In 2008, he jumped at the chance to join Loden Vancouver boutique hotel as Head Bartender of Voya. There, Jay had the chance to return to fine service and continue to hone his customization of drinking experiences. As a founding partner and Head Bartender of Pourhouse in 2009, he was proud to create a century old North American-styled classic cocktail Bar in historic Gastown. Jay’s related education has involved WSET wine certification from Dubru!e Culinary Institute, a Certified Specialist of Spirits diploma from the Society of Wine Educators and certification in beer studies with the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. Good fortune has allowed him to travel the world of spirits – finding triumph in competitions, as well as a working education in distilleries, wineries, vineyards and Bars around the globe. Over the years, he has enjoyed success and diversity of experience in a variety of related work; including developing cocktail & wine programs for several local establishments and as a judge in a range of Bartending competitions. Recently, Jay was acknowledged for his efforts in his craft as the 2009 Urban Diner Awards - Bartender of the Year, as well as the honour of being voted as the 2010 Westender Magazine Reader’s Choice “Best of the City” Gold - Best Bartender. Most recently, Jay has come from behind the Bar to create Barjonesing, his personal hospitality consulting business - offering services of Bar program & beverage design, staff training, education & social networking. He is pursuing his love of hospitality through writing, as a contributor to UrbanDiner.ca and Montecristo Magazine amongst other publications.

You can follow Jay Jones at http://www.twitter.com/barjonesing