Arc Inspirations, the premium bar operator, is to collaborate with two of the UK’s very best bartenders and trainers, with the launch of the ARCademy training school to develop and upskill the group’s bar teams to the very highest standards.
The 17-strong operator of the Banyan Bar & Kitchen, Box and Manahatta brands is joining forces with bar entrepreneurs and award-winning bartender brothers Daniel (pictured right) and Joe Schofield (left). The duo have won countless awards, have worked behind some of the world’s most celebrated bars and are shortly to launch their very own bar venture, in Manchester.
The exciting partnership aims to make Arc’s teams the very best in the industry, with the brothers bringing world-class knowledge and creative flair via a bespoke and tailored programme.
Arc CEO and co-founder, Martin Wolstencroft (pictured centre) said, “This is a tremendous coup for us. To have the opportunity to tap into Joe and Daniel’s experience, knowledge and craft at this time is a game-changer for our people. I have known them for a long time and am really pleased that we will have two of the best in the business helping us deliver the new ARCademy programme.
'Arc’s Bar & Atmosphere Development Manager Mark Austin, who will be working closely with the brothers, added: “We’re really excited about this partnership – continuously developing and growing our people is at the heart of our business, and our teams will learn a hell of a lot from such genuinely renowned professionals.
“At the same time, like many people in hospitality, some of our colleagues have not had an easy time of it. It’s been a tough 12 months and it’s also been a while since our teams were doing what they love and this initiative will support them in getting ready, energised and at the very top of their game, as we prepare to welcome our guests back, give them exceptional experiences and to serve world class drinks.”
The Schofield brothers bring a host of accolades and a huge breadth of knowledge to the partnership, after working in some of the World’s top cocktail bars. Joe Schofield was awarded 'International Bartender of The Year' in the celebrated Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards.
This was shortly followed by the equally-prestigious title of ‘Bartenders’ Bartender' award at The World’s 50 Best Bars 2018 – making Joe is the first person to have won both awards. Dan Schofield is applauded for his work at London bar Coupette, which has been placed in the top 20 in a ranking of the world’s best bars.
As part of the relationship, the Arc CEO will serve as a mentor to the brothers, drawing on his many years of hospitality and business-building experience to help them launch SCHOFIELD’S BAR, a new cocktail bar in Manchester.
Wolstencroft added, “This is a fantastic relationship, which I am really proud of; Joe and Daniel are great guys and I really look forward to them helping develop our teams to become genuinely industry-leading.
“It’s a great collaboration for us and I’m really enjoying having the opportunity to mentor them and support them. Opening their own place is very brave and very exciting, and I am sure is going to be an amazing success and know they will quickly establish it as one of the best bars in the country.”
Of the new partnership, Joe Schofield said, “Daniel and I are thrilled at the opportunity to be able to spend some time with the team at Arc Inspirations. Their alumni have gone on to do incredible things for the hospitality sector, many of whom we consider dear friends.
'We are excited to be part of the journey for the current Arc team, who without a doubt, will continue to shape our wonderful industry for the better.'