Ian Burrell, founder of UK RumFest, on The Wizard of Oz, lions, and dropping pizzas on customers


What was your first-ever job? Besides my paper round, and stacking shelves at Waitrose, it was waiting tables at Pizzeria Uno's in Soho. This was my first experience of catering.

What was your worst job interview? I've never had a bad one. I've only had two interviews and got the job both times. Waitrose and Pizzeria Uno. Subsequent jobs have found me.

How do you describe your job to your mates? Getting paid for travelling around the world and having fun while talking about and drinking rum.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Meeting new people in new cities and countries. But overall, it is new experiences that I can then pass on to others.

What is the least rewarding part? Not knowing what time of day it is as your body clock can take a bit of a beating when travelling through several time zones.

What is your motto in life? Smile and enjoy yourself because life is too short. Also, if you're going to be... then be the best!

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? The UK supermarkets require a wider selection of specialised spirits, especially rums.

What's your nickname? The Rum Ambassador.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? A Caribbean island.

What's your favourite movie? The Wizard of Oz. It reminds me of the few good times I had as a child.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? There are too many to isolate one incident. I did drop a pizza on a customer's lap once. It resulted in me retiring from waiting tables and concentrating more on being a bartender.

Do you have any phobias? I suffer hugely from vodkaphobia. It is the fear of alcoholic, unflavoured, six times distilled vodka, filtered through Madonna's underwear. Mega-premium vodkas!

Which celebrity would you pick to join your staff? President Barack Obama. He could specialise in El Presidente cocktails, and the security for the bar would be "tight".

What luxury would you have on your desert island? A beautiful female chef, with a fully stocked kitchen.

What animal best reflects your personality? A lion. He is king of the jungle who loves to relax, is loyal, likes to eat meat and is blessed with a roaring personality. However, he is aggressive when angered.

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