Bringing amazing people in Nashville to focus for a one on one. People related to the industry that stand out and are true champions that represent all the positives, for both the guests they interact with, coworkers they work with, owners and managers they work for. They impart an amazing presence and make this world a better and fun place to live in.
The Spotlight is on an English mate from Blackbird Leys, Oxford. An awesome mixologist and bartender in his own right winning the Atlanta, Georgia Finals to become one of the finalists of the GQ Magazine & Bombay Sapphire Most Inspiring Bartenders in 2011. A former college athlete with imposing size at 6’2” and 215 lbs, 2 time former Streetball Slam Dunk Champion, armed with his English charm and wit, not only does he shake a delicious cocktail, but he does it with flair, literally flipping bottles and tins giving a show to all to see. But wait, there’s more. Not only is Stryder an award winning bartender mixing cocktails, and doing it with flair, he’s also a famous public figure, Hip Hop Trooper. Stryder keeps pushing the limits of what a talented individual can accomplish in this industry and has no plans to slow down as he raises the bar and keeps accomplishing more accolades in this industry, fusing and combining the music world with the Food & Beverage industry by bartending and spinning music as a DJ. Asked recently what he enjoyed more between the two professional personas, they are distinctly different, yet very much the same person. There are pros and cons to both industries and he concentrates on all the positives both worlds provide, rather than dwell on the negatives. Life is too short to be dwelling on the negatives. Just be happy and kick ass mates!! Fun Seekers, I present to you, Stryder aka Hip Hop Trooper! Follow Stryder on Instagram: @Stryderville and @HipHopTrooper
About Stryder a.k.a. Hip Hop Trooper
Name: Stryder aka Hip Hop Trooper
Where are you from and how many years in Nashville: Born and raised in Oxford, England. Lived and worked in Nashville for 2 and a half years.
Where do you work at: FUSE - Opryland
How many years in the industry: 17 yrs.
Any special or hidden talents we should know about: aka @HipHopTrooper
Name 3 Bar tools you couldn’t live without: My Tins, my lighter and bar towels.
What’s the craziest thing a drunk customer has ever done or what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever experienced at work: Worked a Atlanta Falcon‘s Cheerleaders Party! I was the only bartender and only guy in the room with about 40 beautiful women. Should I go on? Lol.
What advice would you give to a beginning bartender: Learn from people that inspire you, avoid bad habits and drama from other bartenders!
Fastest way to get kicked out of your bar: Keep asking for more ranch dressing!
What’s your bartending pet peeve: Other bartenders using my tools and not washing them and/or putting them back.
Life lessons you have learned as a bartender: Every shift could be the greatest night of your life!
If you were in a movie, who would play you and what would the movie be: Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), only because he would play me in a movie. Star Wars, Storm Troopers Unite!
Favorite Cocktail: Hate to admit it but, good Margaritas have been my weakness.
Favorite beer: Stella Artois
Favorite Shot: Tequila
Favorite bar in the world to have a drink at: Red Phone Booth, Nashville.
Signature Cocktail: Caramelized Blue Flame Old Fashion
Your top 5 restaurants, bars, and/or coffee spots in Nashville (in no particular order):
Red Phone Booth
Skull’s Rainbow Room
Kung Fu Saloon
House of Cards
FUSE
Must see or visit while in Nashville: Red Phone Booth
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