If you find yourself sitting down for a meal at Toronto hotspot THR & Co., sister restaurant of The Harbord Room, you’ll likely see Liz Campbell behind the bar. Australian by birth but Canadian at heart, she is the Co-Partner and Bar Manager of THR& Co. whose duties include managing the restaurant and making sure its guests enjoy its delectable offerings, as well as heady drinks on the menu.
This mix master has been in the food and beverage game for more than 15 years and can serve up a cocktail with skill and accuracy that would put Tom Cruise, in his Cocktail days, to shame. However, getting to the top of her game and rising in this challenging and extremely competitive industry takes skill, hard work and a fearless attitude. How does Liz keep it all together? Read on and learn more.
Astrological sign: Libra
Shaken or stirred: Shaken in the summer, stirred in the winter
Tim Hortons or Tim Tams: Tim Hortons
Nicole Kidman or Cate Blanchett: Cate Blanchett
The food and beverage industry is largely male dominated. How did you create a career where you are respect for your knowledge and skills?
I’ve never focused on the male dominance; I think that we find ourselves in a place where that belief is fast fading away. But, I’ve certainly worked hard to get where I am and I think my training in the kitchen gave me a no fear attitude to keep climbing the ladder in this industry.
You’re constantly working and interacting with people from various backgrounds and temperaments. What are your tips to keep one’s cool when situations and conversations get heated and emotional?
People just want to be heard; even the most difficult situations can be turned around if you let someone have their say without interruption. I find listening and demonstrating understanding before reacting calms most situations down pretty quickly.
Can you remember the first cocktail you’ve ever made? What was it and did it taste good?
Yes! It was a vodka martini with a twist. I remember having to run around to find my boss to ask him What goes into a vodka martini? I was so embarrassed when he told me¦ vodka. Vodka goes into a vodka martini.
Finish this sentence: I want women around the world to ___________.
Love and support each other¦ always.
What are three things in your wardrobe you cannot live without and why?
My Topshop black jeans¦ I have at least six pairs of these, all in different states of wear but all are my favorite. My Clyde wool hat, because no matter how blah I feel it always makes me feel strong and beautiful when wearing it. And my Skye & Staghorn bikini, because bikinis mean sunshine!
If you could create a recipe for happiness what would it contain?
Gin with a splash of salt water and a light dusting of sand bré»lé©ed with sun. And a side of family and friends!
Name a famous person (celebrity or historical figure) you would like to have a drink with and why?
Beyoncé©, because hopefully she’d pick up the tab for the bottles of Armand de Brignac that we’d be drinking!
