Nicolas Nemalceff

Bar Manager at The Writers Bar, Raffles Jakarta

Q: What are your responsibilities?

Nicolas Nemalceff: My main responsibility is the development of all my colleagues in the bar at the lobby, as well as the pool bar. I am responsible for setting their personal goals and creating a culture of accountability to ensure they can become the best version of themselves. Further, I am responsible for developing an engaging, innovative and unique cocktail scheme that educates the public about the story and flavours of classic cocktails.

Q: What makes a typical day?

N: A typical day starts off with a good workout, either a squash or gym session, followed by a review of my pending to do list when I first get to work. This is followed by a coffee while following up on pending items, and then an F&B management briefing.

Q: Your best attribute?

N: Perhaps the ability to connect with individuals and to give my all to what I do. I like to think that when I set my mind to do something, I will absolutely do everything in my power to achieve it and put 100 percent of my heart into it.

Q: Team player or team leader?

N: In my eyes, a successful team leader is at all times a team player, if leadership is carried out properly. I'd like to think I am both. Depending on the situation, I might find myself being a bit more of a team leader though.

Q: Who has been the most influential figure in your career to date?

N: My parents. Family and their support are often the most important. However, I can say that I have had the chance to work directly with great individuals, such as Patricia Ghamami, Michael Callahan, and Francois Laran, all of whom have made a difference in my career.

Q: Name one really special thing about your hotel or restaurant? N: Its heritage. The history that the Raffles brand carries and the fact that there are a limited number of Raffles properties around the world pays homage to its personal, private service style and its attention to luxury and detail.

Q: How do you unwind?

N: I have played football since I can't remember. So even though I can no longer play at a professional level, I see it as my go to activity to unwind and clear my head.

Q: Dead or alive, who would you like to take out to dinner? N: There are so many things to learn from so many people, so I think going out to dinner with someone you love and are comfortable with, like a friend, is the best option.

The Writers Bar at Raffles Jakarta