Mixologist Nathan McCarley-O’Neill has been appointed Director of Mixology of Claridge’s hotel in London.

Having grown up in Belfast, McCarley-O’Neill has a hospitality career spanning more than 15 years across two continents and has worked in some of the world’s best bars and institutions – this has taken him from Northern Ireland to New York, whilst also being named ‘World’s Most Experimental Bartender’ and ‘Bartender of the Year’ along the way.

Most recently, McCarley-O’Neill was the Bar Director for the James Beard award-winning NoMad hotels. His role included managing the teams and creative direction across multiple properties in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and London. Prior to NoMad, Nathan was Bar Director of Make It Nice, overseeing beverage operations across its portfolio, which included Daniel Humm’s three Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park. The mixologist also worked as Bar Manager at the highly acclaimed Dandelyan Bar at The Mondrian, London.

In his new role as Claridge’s Director of Mixology, McCarley-O’Neill will work closely with the teams at Claridge’s Bar, The Fumoir and Davies and Brook bringing his award-winning global experience and know-how to ensure they continue to be considered as three of London’s best bars. He will also oversee the opening of Claridge’s newest bar – The Painters Room –  which is set to open in summer 2021 and since his arrival has been working with Claridge’s Bars Manager Denis Broci on Claridge’s: The Cocktail Book.

Claridge’s General Manager, Paul Jackson said, “We look forward to Nathan – an exceptionally talented mixologist – bringing something new to Claridge’s as we enter an exciting chapter for our bars.  The Fumoir and Claridge’s Bar are often regarded as two of the capital’s best, and it will be wonderful to have him on board as we see the opening of The Painters Room, our first new bar in many years.”

“I am hugely excited to return to Europe and to take on this new challenge at one of the world’s most prestigious hotels,” notes Nathan McCarley-O’Neill. “We have incredible plans for Claridge’s – working to elevate an already much revered offering to new levels. I have hit the ground running with Claridge’s: The Cocktail Book, which we look forward to sharing in the coming months.”

The news comes as Claridge’s announces that it will publish its first Cocktail Book with Octopus imprint Mitchell Beazley on 14 October, 2021. Claridge’s: The Cocktail Book, includes classic cocktails, original creations and modern libations from through the years at the iconic London hotel.