Friendship test: Alex Jump & Lauren Paylor O’Brien
The US-based bartenders who also run hospitality wellbeing project, Focus On Health, take Campari Academy’s friendship test. They talk country songs, pet names and sober bachelorette parties
Alex Jump and Lauren Paylor O’Brien have both worn many hats over their illustrious bartending careers, from head bartender and consultant, to R&D chef and writer respectively – and with numerous awards between them are powerhouses in the community.
It’s their project Focus on Heath, however, that brought them together to address mental health and wellness in the bar industry, with O’Brien operating as CEO and creative lead, and founder and senior manager of operations. Their approach to training is an intersectional one, taking into account and emphasising the need for harm reduction approaches that reflect an understanding of and commitment to addressing the historical, socio-cultural and political forces that shape responses to mental illness, health, addiction and more.
They also undertake speaking engagements, develop no & low programmes and run event production too. They also organise runs, ‘Hospitality hustle’ (foraging, fishing, harvesting) and No Low pop ups.
More Articles
Article
Drink like a local: Kuala Lumpur with Angeline TanExplore Kuala Lumpur with Angeline, to discover the fascinating juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern aspirations, wander through bustling markets filled with a symphony of flavors, and experience the energy of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Amidst lush greenery and soaring skyscrapers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures and experiences. The city’s rich […]
Article
Drink like a local: New Delhi with Vikram AchantaNew Delhi, India, is a vibrant metropolis where ancient traditions and modern aspirations blend with a thriving food and drink scene, offering both locals and visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, as we’ll discover with, Vikram Achanta, a passionate native with an encyclopedic knowledge of the city. In the heart of India, where ancient traditions […]
Article
Drink like a local: Penang with Thanesh JoelPenang, Malaysia, is a vibrant island where rich history and culture blend with a thriving food and drink scene, offering both locals and visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, as we’ll discover with our local guide, Thanesh Joel, a seasoned bartender and passionate Penangite Situated on the northwestern coast of Malaysia, Penang is a captivating […]
Article
Drink like a local: Ubud with Panji WisrawanThrough the eyes of Panji Wisrawan, Ubud unfolds as a captivating tapestry where ancient traditions intertwine with modern vibrancy, offering a sanctuary for the soul and a playground for the senses. Nestled amidst lush rice terraces and verdant jungles, Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, a captivating blend of ancient traditions, artistic expressions, and […]
Article
Sam Ross: Why classic cocktails and formulas matterFrom beginning his bartending career as a teenager in Melbourne, to a pivotal opportunity at NYC’s Milk & Honey, Attaboy’s Sam Ross exalts the virtues of a strong foundation when it comes to drinks making When I first started bartending in Melbourne as a brash teenager, I felt like I had a natural style and […]
Article
Jim Meehan: When it comes to bar design, we all have the power to work with itThe author of ‘The PDT Cocktail Book’ and ‘Meehan’s Bartender Manual’ knows we can’t always choose our dream bar design. But we can work with it. He explains how for owner, management and bartenders After 12 years working behind other operators’ bars – including Audrey Saunders’ Pegu Club and a little-known landmark in Madison, Wisconsin, […]
Discover More
Article
David Wondrich reviews his own booksThe award-winning author and drinks historian, David Wondrich, takes a look back at his renowned writing back-catalogue. From ‘Killer Cocktails’ to ‘The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails’, he gives us the inside track on how his books came to be
Article
10 classic drinks from New Orleans you must try at least onceTake a look at ten classic drinks that originated amongst the bustling streets of New Orleans.
Article
Drink like a local: Seoul with Laki YooWe caught up with Keepers’ bar owner and long-time bar advocate, Laki Yoo, to talk about what you simply can’t miss when visiting South Korea’s capital, from somaek and local market, to traditional barbecue and much, much more Where enormous buildings in the business district meet the quiet historical neighbourhood not far away, Seoul is […]
Article
Why Natoora needs you to help them change the food systemProduce supplier Natoora has spent 20 years building a business that celebrates where our ingredients come from. Head of education, Clementine Hain-Cole, explains why bartenders should be supporting the farmers who grow them To Natoora, education means equipping everyone – starting from schoolkids and running right up to bartender, chef, home cook and everyone in between […]
Article
Rome Bar Show - Day 1Campari Academy wowed Rome Bar Show on Day 1. Learn more about our Perspectives showcase.
Article
The Rise, Fall and Comeback of AperitivoHow aperitivo became a staple in drinking culture