This month we talk to the 2025 Campari Bar Apprentices who have been finding out more about what makes this business tick. From special training with Andy Gemmell to a bar take-over, they have been put through their paces ahead of the 2025 awards. Part One of this two-part series features Aimee Ashworth of La Jupe, Cameron Evans of the Lynnhurst Hotel, Callum McCarthy of Encore and Lewis Crone of Margo.
Aimee Ashworth – La Jupe, Helensburgh
Aimee, 25, brings creativity and character to her role as Bar Manager at La Jupe. Having studied both fashion design and sound production, she’s no stranger to expressing herself through different mediums.
Her journey has included everything from dog walking to pouring pints, with bar work being a constant since she was 18.
She joined La Jupe during the Covid era and quickly found her stride. Says Aimee, “I always wanted to do something creative. When I started at La Jupe I loved the other staff, their knowledge and the quality of service there. It was refreshing to apply myself somewhere that appreciated me. I also learned to appreciate different wine and was able to share my opinion – it was a great creative outlet.
“Music is my hobby. I’ve played piano since I was 11 and I also play guitar, harmonica and even recently got a banjo. Working in hospitality has also helped with my self-confidence. My favourite cocktail at the moment is a Naked and Famous – it’s a great cocktail for all seasons.”
Cameron Evans – Lynnhurst Hotel, Johnstone
Cameron, 23, has spent his entire hospitality career at the Lynnhurst Hotel, starting at 17, right after leaving school. Six years on, his dedication and growth within the Manorview team speak for themselves.
He says, “My first few shifts were serving weddings and I no clue what I was doing! I began as floor staff and I worked my way up from there. Manorview were so good to us during covid so that was one of the reasons I stayed there.”
He continues, “I am a really big fan of motor racing and Formula 1, in fact I’m actually going to Silverstone this year! I started racing myself at the age of nine when I went to indoor carting and before long I was driving professionally all over Scotland and UK – so I was quite good at it! I did a bit of coaching as well and I also play football regularly.
“When it comes to cocktails, I personally like something fruity and sweet like a Pornstar Martini or a French Martini. I do like to try new things when I go out though!”
Callum McCarthy – Encore Edinburgh
Originally from Kerry in Ireland, Callum, 27, started out bartending in Cork during university. A year ago, he moved to Edinburgh and now works as Bar Manager at Encore with Caledonian Heritable.
Says Callum, “I never really enjoyed the university part but loved the bar part! So I gradually worked my way up to supervisor and manager positions, mostly in hotels. When I moved to Edinburgh I found, although the city is different, the hospitality industry is much the same. I enjoy the fact Edinburgh is so busy.
“In my spare time I do a little bit of rock climbing and go to the gym. I used to surf quite a bit in Ireland, but I can’t really do that in Edinburgh.
“My favourite cocktail is a Paloma. Grapefruit juice is so underrated. People see it on a menu and worry because it can be quite bitter, but it makes such a nice fresh cocktail that’s not overly sweet. I also love a stout whether it’s Murphys or Guinness.”
Lewis Crone – Margo, Glasgow
Lewis, 26, began his hospitality career at The Corinthian while at university, later working at Rab Ha’s.
He joined Margo as a bartender when it opened just over six months ago and has been part of the team ever since.
He says, “I always had an interest in cocktails, and I got to create cocktails at Rab Ha’s and have a bit of fun with it. My sister lives in the Caribbean and after going on holiday to visit I was offered a job there and went for a year. So, for eight months I was running a cocktail bar in the sun. I was thrown in at the deep end and I had to learn very quickly.
“When I returned to the UK I started at Margo and I’m learning so much more about fusions and technique there. In my spare time I love photography, artwork, music and going to see live gigs. Cocktail wise, I love a classic simple daiquiri – rum, lime and sugar – or a Paloma. I’ve also recently been getting into whiskies and been enjoying a ‘hauf and hauf’. I love trying new drinks.
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