Andrey KolesnikovCommunity profile

The head bartender at YAUZA PLACE, Andrei Kolesnikov, began his career in St. Petersburg, where he studied at the St. Petersburg Bartenders Association and started working at a Tiki bar. He then moved to Moscow and worked at places like Bamboo bar, Strelka, Community, and Kraby Kutaby. "Every establishment where I've worked has brought new knowledge and small discoveries. Now, each place has its own unique history and direction, so the demand for the cocktail menu is complex, requiring a fresh perspective even on established concepts. Often, the knowledge and inspiration gained from attending seminars is less than what's gained from simply working with a new team," Andrei says about his experience. In 2022, he joined YAUZA based on a recommendation, and upon entering this free-spirited and diverse space, he realized that this is where his journey would continue. He enjoys working on creating a unique atmosphere, considering not only the flavor combinations but also the overall message and mood of the establishment. "We may create some of the best memories in our guests' lives, and that thought is my source of inspiration. I was inspired by Vasily Zheglov, a talented mixologist and professional in his field, with whom I had the pleasure of working. He changed my perspective on simple things that can be used to create a complete flavor profile, and he taught me to see the bar on a larger scale," Andrei says.