Tribute to Hayden Stefan Poczwa

This tribute recently featured in the March edition of Bartender magazine. Hayden recently passed away and his friends informed us that he had always wanted to be in the magazine so as a tribute to him and his memory they answered the questions on his behalf.

Hayden was a good man! He lived his life to the full, he knew no half measures and could overcome incredible challenges and obstacles, He also had moments of much pain.He is free from that pain now, may he rest in peace.” Phil Bayly

Career

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How long have you been bartending?

4 years.

Where have you worked previously?

Café Pacifico, The Argyle, Cruise Bar, Water Bar at Blue, Raval

What is your proudest moment behind the bar?

Putting together my own cocktails, serving them and receiving a positive response.

And most embarrassing?

Dressing up as the gay construction worker from the Village People and dancing to the YMCA at Cafe Pacifico!The shorts got me lots of attention.

Favourites

What’s been your favourite bar to work in?

Café Pacifico.

What’s your favourite bar gadget?

The Balisong bottle blade.

What’s your favourite city?

Anywhere by the beach!  Byron Bay and Torquay in Melbourne

What’s your favourite movie?

Scarface.

What’s your favourite song?

Firestarter by The Prodigy.

What’s your favourite sport?

Rugby and kickboxing

What’s your favourite drink?

I’d have to say a Mezcal Old fashioned

Describe your fantasy bar

Small, boutique style 1 man bar when quiet and, maybe 2 on weekends, never more than 3 (that would be pushing it).  A place that I could run on my own with a capacity of 90-120 max.  With no speed rail, just all top shelf spirits and of course with a wide selection of rum and tequila.

What is your favourite product to work with at the moment and why?

Havana Club barrel proof, Pama liqueur, Orange/Peach bitters. I love strong aromatic products in cocktails.

What do you drink to…

Quench your thirst?

Vodka fresh lime and soda or a beer… Hahn Super Dry

Impress a lady?

Rum Old Fashioned (realistically I would always just order that anyway).

Unwind after a long shift?

If at home a nice bottle of red, martini, or nothing like a cold beer.

If you could have a drink with one person (alive or dead) who would it be and why?

Amy Winehouse, I love tatts on chicks.

Can you tell us some of your favourite bars to visit?

Rambutan, Zeta, Pacifico.

Other Stuff

Can you juggle, perform any magic tricks or have any other unusual talents?

I can play the eucaleili!

What was the last book you bought?

Five Drops of Blood by Paul Wilson and Dianne McInnes.

Who’s your hero?

Manuel Terron. I wish I could get flown around the world to just talk about what I’m passionate about.

If you were to be something other than a bartender, what would it be and why?

A rock star!!

Finish this sentence: I think blue drinks..

Are cool! Let’s get tropical.

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