After being announced as the winner of the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award 2023 this month, we caught up with Beckaly Franks to chat about her win, what she is currently up to and any future plans in Hong Kong and beyond!

 
hkclubbing.com: Congratulations on the recent win of the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award 2023 by Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023. How do you feel and how has it been since you hear about it?

Beckaly: It is truly such an honour to be seen by my peers. I am aware of the love and work I put into what I do  but I never assume that it is seen. My heart is full of gratitude and this gives me more fuel to champion our journey.

hkclubbing.com: We read online that you were actually brought up with your family being in the hospitality industry. How was that and how did that influence your decision to be a part of this ever evolving scene?

Beckaly: I say that bartending and hospitality is in my DNA because I was raised around it. For better or worse I was brought up in a world of inclusion that was centered around my home that is the bar.

hkclubbing.com: What was the reason you chose to move to Hong Kong and what have you felt has kept you in the city for so long?

Beckaly: I think in a lot of ways Hong Kong chose me when I was fully ready to explore the world. Michael Callahan asked me to make the leep and I never looked back. Hong Kong has literally changed my life and afforded me the space to be my authentic self and live out many of my dreams. Most of which revolve around growing culture, taking care of people and sharing our voice.

hkclubbing.com: Besides the well known The Pontiac that you're part of opening, what other bars are you involved in and any new places being planned right now?

Beckaly: My wife Ezra Star and I created our company Hungry Ghost and have opened a few projects including: ARTIFACT Bar & Counter, Call Me AL and PONTY CAFé.

hkclubbing.com: If someone reading this wanted to enjoy one of your cocktails made by you, which location do you seem to spend most of your time in the evening on the weekends?

Beckaly: Right now it will be easiest to find me at PONTY CAFé but realistically I am usually everywhere, all the time, all at once. :)

hkclubbing.com: With a number of unique bar concepts under your portfolio, would you ever consider taking any of them to other countries?
Beckaly: The goal is to explore and expand our beautiful world. From the South of France to Sri Lanka, our eyes and hearts are open.

hkclubbing.com: Finally, what is your favourite cocktail to make that and where could we enjoy it?

Beckaly: It would have to be the Hobnail. That cocktail changed my life and is my legacy.

For more information about Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 visit:
worlds50bestbars.com/asia/awards/bartenders-bartender.html

Check out her latest video below,

(image source: Beckaly provided)