The Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko opened today and Claude Elliott, the head barman of the hotel’s BawBaw Bar has come full circle. The hotel was where he started his career, back in the day when it first opened. Today Claude, who was voted Sierra Leone’s Best Barman in 1989, is working his magic on the first of the tens of thousands of cocktails he’ll be making for Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko’s guests over the course of the next year and enjoying the feeling of being back where he began.
The BawBaw Bar, named after one of Sierra Leone’s breath-taking Peninsula beaches, is a large space scattered with comfortable chairs. It opens out onto a spacious terrace overlooking the pool and it’s not hard to see that it’s destined to become the favoured setting for hotel guests and Freetown residents looking for relaxation in a fun and sophisticated environment.
Nuno Neves, the hotel’s General Manager and Luis Ferreira, the Food and Drink Manager have all sorts of plans for the BawBaw Bar. Live music will be played by a jazz pianist on the gleaming grand piano in the corner. There will be a dedicated ladies night, as well as special theme nights which will combine a menu designed by Lorenzo Stride, the hotel’s Executive Chef, with music, fine wine and the BawBaw Bar’s atmospheric ambiance.
All the bar staff have been given training in Radisson Blu’s ‘Yes I Can!’ approach to customer service. As General Manager Nuno Neves points out: “Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko expect a lot from their staff and training has focused on developing a mind-set of customer service, commitment and trust among their employees.”
What this means is that along with stylish surroundings, a bar menu which includes a choice of 10 champagnes, wine, beer and spirits, as well as soft drinks, cocktails and mocktails, Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko’s national and international visitors are guaranteed to be treated with nothing but the utmost hospitality.