Sonia Elia

I studied in Sicily at Alberghiero, a school which gives you the opportunity to study food, beverage and hospitality in general. While studying, I was doing my first job experiences in a residence and I had the opportunity to work with lovely people that transmitted the passion of this job to me. After my experience and my studies, I decided to move to London 11 years ago. I think it was the best decision I could ever make. I remember that the first thing I learned in English was “I’m looking for a job”, so I packed my bag full of printed CVs and walked around London to look for a job. As my English was really poor, I started to work as a food runner in a beautiful restaurant in Covent Garden. That was the first experience which gave me the opportunity to step up as my English improved and so I got a position as a waitress. After this, I decided to leave and work in an Italian restaurant in Piccadilly as a bar-back, and then as bartender. This job gave me the opportunity to be in touch with what I really wanted to do. As I met a lot of people between those experiences, I had the opportunity to make a big jump, and so I jumped on the 28th floor of Hilton Park Lane as bartender and eventually head bartender. Here is where I developed my skills and my career. I had the opportunity to work with amazing mentors such as Fred Siriex, to do my first cocktail competition, and an amazing school of service. After that, I worked as Head Bartender at the new bar of Sheraton Park Lane and then I moved to Novikov to experience the club and Asian cuisine. After this experience I went to Sartoria as Assistant Bar Manager and here I was working with an amazing chef, Francesco Mazzei, and mentor of the cocktail menu, Simone Caporale. I then decided to make a bigger step as Bar Manager in an Italian restaurant in Mayfair and that gave me the opportunity to grow in every single aspect. As a Bar Manager I decided to experience Ibiza in IT and that was one of the best experiences of my life. Once back in London I decided to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone and I accepted the job as BDE with Franklin and Sons and now UK Brand Ambassador. This job has improved a lot within myself and others and I love it.