On Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 March, Media Arts student Jack Wallis, will be competing in the TUCO Bar Skills competition. We caught up with Jack to see what the competition entails, and why he enjoys making cocktails.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? What are you currently studying?
I am a second year student currently studying Film, TV and Digital Production, in the Department of Media Arts. I work both for the university as a Shift Leader at Kingswood Halls and for the SU assisting with online content production.
2. We heard that you will be taking part in the TUCO Bar Skills competition on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 March. What does the competition consist of?
For the competition I have to create a variety of different cocktails. The first is a signature cocktail that I have complete control over in that I can choose the alcohol and mixer to go alongside it. The second is then a sharing cocktail served in a pitcher for four people, and the last one is either a beer or cider cocktail.
3. What have you done so far in preparation for the competition?
Lots! I've been very busy trying to work out what alcohol combines best with different juices and flavour etc. It has been quite a lengthy process, but I recently attended a couple of market research days, which helped to indicate which flavour and combinations were the most popular and the ones that I particularly enjoyed. The cocktails I will be making have also been launched in both Kingswood and Crosslands, which have been very popular.
4. Aside from bar skills, do you have any other interests or hobbies?
I really enjoy making films and taking photographs. I started my own small film company making online content for corporate companies back in 2015 which I have had quite a lot of success with. Photography is more of a hobby but I have also done some professional and paid photography as well. I also really enjoy keeping fit and staying active.
5. Are you part of any clubs or societies on campus?
I am the current Vice President of American Football (Go Bears) which has been really enjoyable meeting loads of new people and taking part in activities off of the field. We had a really good season this year, making it through to playoffs which was a lot better than our season last year.. But I won’t go into detail about that!
6. What do you enjoy most about being a student at Royal Holloway?
The people, which may sound corny or cheesy but it feels like people on this campus are really inclusive and friendly.
8. You may have seen our latest recruitment campaign, ‘Find your why’. We are interested to find out what Royal Holloway has helped you to discover about yourself…
I've discovered that there are people in this world that have been through similar things that you have, whether that's good or bad, and the majority of the time they are more than willing to help you out if you allow them to.