After seven years, Declan McGurk’s tenure at The Savoy came to an end in 2020. Here, he talks about times of change, embracing new challenges and making an impact by implementing changes of his own at Boatyard Distillery.
I first entered the bar industry at 18 years old in 1999, with a view of it just supplementing my university studies. However, the social and creative side of the industry pulled me in further and upon graduation the decision was made to forge a career as a bar professional.
Remaining in Leeds for a number of years I spent the best part of a decade working for Arc Inspirations. From joining as a head bartender, I worked my way up to the operational role of Bars Development Manager. Things were going great, but a move south saw me cross into the brand world and a role with Speciality Brands.
Whilst establishing myself in London the opportunity came to interview for the role of Bar Manager of the American Bar at The Savoy. Five interviews later and I had landed a dream job. I stayed at The Savoy for seven years and by the end of my tenure I was the hotel’s Director of Bars overseeing all of the beverage operations.
It was the most wonderful opportunity. I got to meet so many interesting people – and some very famous ones too. During my time in the role we were awarded the ranking of Worlds Number 1 Bar according to 50 Best Bars in 2017, and then in the following year World’s Best Bar at the Spirited Awards. The accolades created great moments of celebration, but it really was the relationships forged with team members that were the real highlights.
The role gave me the responsibility to act as coach and mentor to some great talents. I relished this, with the relationships often continuing even when people moved on to new pastures.
All change
The pandemic caused the abrupt closure of The Savoy and pretty much all of the hospitality industry. London’s luxury market has been struck in a unique way that it appears will take a good few years to return to its previous trading levels. With this in mind The Savoy adjusted its business accordingly, with the previously lauded bar division being somewhat reduced in its ability to operate. Whilst it wasn’t the way I planned for my period at The Savoy to come to an end, as I have processed this change it now feels that it was the right time for me personally to move on to the next challenge.
I felt like I had time to cope with the changes ahead and in all honesty, it felt quite thrilling and liberating. The key for me was that my next step would be something I could believe in and be passionate about. I also had a desire to work in a smaller business where I could be involved in all moving parts, and not get lost in the politics that is often attached with big corporates.
It was a conversation with Joe McGirr, the founder of the Boatyard Distillery, that stimulated my senses. I knew the business very well as my parents live nearby in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland and I had fallen in love with the product whilst at The Savoy. Boatyard is a family business that is all about quality, whether that be the product or even the interactions it has with people. After discussions with Joe I felt that I could positively influence the business, and I was certain it was a role I could be very passionate about.
New horizons
As I start this role, I certainly intend to transfer various things that I have learnt during my time at The Savoy. I plan to continue to express my creativity as working at The Savoy, I learnt that if you believe in an idea, go with it, and then measure and learn from the results. People will always be my passion and whether that is being hospitable or leading a team this is my working passion, and I certainly plan to develop this in my role at Boatyard.
The new role also presents some new challenges and opportunities. I shall be exposed to multiple markets which is an experience I greatly relish and allows me to build on the international relationships I built whilst at The Savoy. It will also be interesting to learn about our production and I really want to take advantage of the organisation being small with the implementation of things I believe are important. We already have a healthy gender mix with our Head Distiller being female, but it is topics like this I really want to get right. We have a toilet refurbishment scheduled at the distillery in the new year which will see gender neutral toilets.
2020 was a year of change for me and I am happy for the future whilst proud of my past. In summation I think it important anyone going through career change during the pandemic, that they remain focused on carving out a career they will be happy with. The bar industry I fear will take into 2022 to get back up to a normal running capacity. I would really endorse anyone that is waiting for that bartending job, to maybe use this time to grow other skills. There might not be another opportunity like it.