TERENCE CHEETHAM

Bartender at Koi Restaurant & Lounge

I’ve served many famous faces, from politicians to sports icons but none of them were as fun as British DJ Fresh. He definitely knows how to party and he loves a Jack Daniel’s.

Whoever shouts the loudest gets served first. Joke! But we always try to do our best to make sure that first come, first served. Nobody wants to be queuing for a drink, do they?

I like to live life on the wild side, so I love fire dancing. I find it really therapeutic and it clears my mind.

The classic Zombie or a Singapore Sling is the hardest drink to make. If a bartender knows how to make a good one, you can be sure they know the majority of the classics.

When it comes to drinks I don’t think the price is always the most important factor. It’s the ingredients and the quality that’s important. We serve everything from the finest red wine for a romantic dinner, or some of the best cognac and cigars for a more sophisticated catch-up with friends.

I’d say garnish is very overrated when it comes to drinks. There is definitely such a thing as too much.

I have never gone skydiving. It’s on the bucket list but the problem is, I’m terrified of flying. I’ve got to work on convincing myself that jumping out of a plane is a wise thing to do.

The Collection, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 6.30pm to 12.30am, Fri and Sat 12.30pm to 1.30am. Tel: (02) 6783334. Taxi: St Regis Saadiyat. koirestaurant.ae