John Gakuru on Purpose-Driven Hospitality: Creating Community Through Bars
In this powerful episode of the Post Shift Podcast, I sat down with John Gakuru, bartender, brand builder, consultant, and global drinks strategist whose career spans continents, iconic venues, spirits brands, and, today, industry advocacy at the highest levels. What emerged from this conversation was a lesson in craft, culture, community, and intentional leadership that every hospitality professional should hear.
From Nairobi to London and Beyond: A Global Hospitality Story
John’s journey begins far from the usual hospitality hubs. Born in Kenya and raised in England, he carries the work ethic and perspective of both worlds into everything he does. He cut his teeth behind the bar early, most notably managing LAB Bar in London’s Soho during the cocktail renaissance at a time when classic mixology was being rediscovered and redefined.
That foundation in service and quality became a springboard for bigger roles, including serving as a Global Brand Ambassador for Sagatiba Cachaça, helping to grow that spirit on six continents, and later leadership roles in Australia, where he oversaw trade and marketing for dozens of brands.
Today, John co-founded Coruscent Co., a creative consultancy expanding brand experiences, consumer engagement, and hospitality storytelling worldwide.
Mentorship and the Heart of Hospitality
A significant theme in our conversation was mentorship, not as a buzzword, but as a discipline of giving back to the people behind the bar. John has spent years supporting and mentoring bartenders in communities less seen on the global stage, particularly across Africa. He stressed that recognition isn’t something to chase; it follows excellence, consistency, and passion at work every day.
Whether it’s refining technique, strengthening guest interaction, or developing personal voice and presence, John believes rising bartenders should focus on craft and intrinsic excellence first. From there, everything else becomes possible.
“Beyond the Bar” - Hospitality as Whole-Person Work
John also shared insight on holistic support for hospitality professionals, primarily through programs like Beyond the Bar, an initiative of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, where he serves on the board. Beyond the Bar tackles everything from mental and physical wellness to substance use awareness, inclusion, and community building, recognizing that what happens outside service impacts what happens inside it.
He spoke passionately about how our industry must care for its people across the full spectrum of life, because hospitality isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle with unique demands and rewards.
The Sanctuary of the Bar in a Digital Age
One of the most memorable points in our conversation was John’s take on bars as sacred spaces. He argued that while technology has reshaped how we communicate, market, and even consume, no app or algorithm can replace - or replicate - the human connection that happens in a room around the bar.
Smartphones and social media have absolutely changed hospitality, for better and worse. Still, the essence of what makes bars special remains the same: people showing up, presence over performance, shared vulnerability, shared stories.
Vision Without Ego
When we talked about what’s next for him, John’s clarity stood out. He doesn’t chase accolades for their own sake. He talked about wanting a future where work doesn’t have to be about money to matter, where passion, purpose, and impact outweigh ego-driven metrics.
That’s not a call for idealism divorced from reality; it’s a reminder that legacy in hospitality isn’t built on headlines but on relationships, integrity, and sustained contribution.
Takeaway for the Hospitality Community
Whether you’re behind the stick, building brands, or leading teams, John’s journey teaches us:
Stay grounded in craft before chasing recognition. Excellence is its own platform.
People come before platforms. Hospitality is relational first.
Personal well-being fuels professional impact. Support your team beyond the shift.
Global perspective doesn’t dilute local impact. It enhances it.