The Bermudian checks in with bar manager John Lake to see how things are going.

BM: So how’re you doing during these strange times?
JL: As well as I can be. I flew back from Europe on the 17th of March and had to instantly go into 14 days quarantine which thankfully is ending today.

BM: How is working from home going? Are you getting anything done?
JL: As the majority of my work is done on premise there hasn’t been a lot that I can do remotely and the tasks that I have been able to do I often find difficult to find the motivation to start. However I have found that setting a daily schedule and getting dressed into clothes that I would normally wear to work helps me to get in the right mindset to at least get the ball rolling.

BM: Have you found an unexpected pleasure?
JL: I don’t know if I would call it a pleasure but I have been very grateful to have a garden that I can sit outside, get some fresh air and sunshine during the quarantine period.

BM: Are you cooking more?
JL: Considering that before this I did little to no cooking at home, absolutely.

BM: What have you made?
JL: I’ve been trying to cook a wide variety of dishes including risotto, pasta, chilli, salad etc. Like I said I don’t cook much at home normally so it’s been a learning curve. Last night was my last night in quarantine so I decided to treat myself and cooked a sirloin steak with mash potatoes and mushrooms cooked in red wine which was delicious.

BM: What are you listening to?
JL: As much upbeat music as possible with one or two news updates daily. I’ve found that putting on some Stevie Wonder or Earth Wind and Fire and dancing around my apartment really helps if I’m feeling lethargic and unmotivated.

BM: Have you tried any online community get-togethers? Like the Zoom or Blue Jean’s happy hour with friends?
JL: I’ve not got Zoom but I have been logging into Instagram for live sessions put on by the likes of Bermeme’s, Gosling’s and Thrillist for a bit of a community feel. I have been keeping in touch with friends and family through WhatsApp and other social media platforms and have even reconnected with old friends who I haven’t spoken with in years.

BM: What about ordering takeout from a restaurant?
JL: I have treated myself to a few takeouts since entering into quarantine and through the kindness of friends and family had them delivered to me. One of my favorites had to be lunch last week Monday when my godfather brought me a selection of dishes from D&C grill including Jerk Chicken, BBQ Jerk Pork, Rice & Peas and Mac N Cheese. That was well!

BM: What are you doing to stay positive?
JL: One of the main things that I’ve done to stay positive and find some normalcy in these weird times is to set up an area in my garden for friends and family to come and visit me which we’ve nicknamed Café Quarantine. The “visitor section” is set up 12 feet from where I sit and people come by for a chat which has been a real highlight of each day.
I have also started doing daily cocktail making videos which I post on Instagram which gives me a creative outlet and allows me to continue doing what I love.

BM: What kind of cocktails have you been making?
JL: I’ve currently made 14 cocktails in the video series so far including Daiquiris, Martinis, Margaritas and Old Fashioneds as well as some of my signature drinks which are served at Rosewood Bermuda. Plenty of people have contacted me asking me to do a tutorial on their favorite tipple and I am trying to work through all of the requests. However it is challenging working with the limited liquor cabinet that I have at home.
I am hoping to make a video in the next few days in which I am going to make a batch of my Bermuda Rum Swizzle (the best on the island) which I will not open and serve until we as an island get through this tough time.

BM: What are you doing to stay healthy?
JL: Since I am unable to go for walks the two things I’m focusing on to stay healthy during this time is eating well and getting a good night’s sleep. Having worked in the hospitality industry for over 12 years it is very rare for me to be able to get to bed before 10pm on any night so it’s been one of my goals every day.