A pub chef has been given national recognition for a hidden talent that's become his "guiding light in life". Tom Mop, who works in Old Market, has been selected as one of ten winners in Beavertown Brewery's competition celebrating creatives working in the UK hospitality industry.
The 23-year-old has been working in hospitality for the past five years but hasn't stopped putting his pen to paper since he was young, and has now been celebrated for his "complex and moody" artwork. He currently pours pints at The Ill Repute and works in the kitchen, which is popular for its authentic Mexican menu.
Speaking about his craft, Tom said: "It's been a big part of my life for a while, and bar work is good for putting you face to face with all sorts of people, often with their guard down a bit more.
Read more: St Pauls Carnival full line up revealed as main stage is renamed
"I like the real weirdos. It’s changed me and naturally, the art is affected too. I’ve ended up working with some lovely and interesting folks too."
‘Beavertown Creatives Untapped’ was created in collaboration with creative publication ‘It’s Nice That’ to celebrate the best and boldest creatives working in pubs and bars across the UK. The London-based brewery, known across the country for its pours such as Gamma Ray and Neck Oil, launched the competition in recognition of artists, musicians and actors moonlighting in bars and restaurants to support themselves through their creative passion.
Tom added: "I’ve found it to be a sort of guiding light in my life really. I dug through the internet and some good shops and found the infinite possibility of what can be done with art and thought, why not?"
Nick Dwyer, Creative Director of Beavertown Brewery, was the judge of the competition and is the person who navigated the brand to its recognisable style you see today. Nick began his career sketching behind the bar at Beavertown Brewery’s founder, Logan Plant’s former pub ‘Duke’s Brew and Que’ after being put forward by a friend to be the local artist for the brewery.
Speaking of Tom's work, Nick said: “A really distinctive style here and impressive attention to detail. I'm a huge fan of the complex and moody worlds, and nightmarish morphed characters too. The framing of the main image is great as it makes it really eerie.”
Entrants were judged on originality, technical skills and emotional impact among other criteria. All ten winners were awarded £1,000 and will have their work exhibited in a London venue in August.
Up next:
