Andreas Qepali: Elevating Mixology at Hutong Dubai|Bar Manager, Hutong Dubai | Innovator of Heritage-Inspired Cocktails |Handcrafted Creations, Storytelling in Mixology, and Leadership in Hospitality

Introduction: A Rising Force in Dubai’s Cocktail Scene

Early Life and Education of Andreas Qepali

Andreas Qepali was born into a family and culture where tradition, hospitality, and community played an important role in daily life. From an early age, he was fascinated by how gatherings, celebrations, and meals were often elevated by the presence of drinks that carried both flavor and emotion. This environment planted the first seeds of curiosity that would later blossom into a career in bartending and mixology.

His formative years were marked by an eagerness to learn and explore beyond the ordinary. Unlike many who come to hospitality by chance, Andreas approached it with intention. He understood early on that bartending was not simply about mixing spirits but about creating an experience that connects people. This realization pushed him to pursue formal learning and practical exposure in hospitality.

For his education, Andreas focused on hospitality management and beverage studies, immersing himself in the technical and creative aspects of the craft. He studied the science of flavors, the history of spirits, and the global traditions of mixology, while also sharpening his communication and leadership skills. These academic foundations gave him the confidence to innovate, and the discipline to excel in demanding environments like Dubai’s luxury bar scene.

This blend of early passion, cultural influence, and structured education shaped Andreas into the professional he is today—a bar leader who understands both the artistry and the precision behind every cocktail he serves.

The hospitality world of Dubai has become one of the fastest-growing and most competitive in the world, where bartenders and bar managers are no longer just service professionals but storytellers, innovators, and cultural ambassadors. Among the city’s most dynamic talents is Andreas Qepali, the Bar Manager at Hutong Dubai, who has carved out a reputation for curating unforgettable cocktail experiences in one of the most luxurious venues in the region.

Position & Venue Overview: Hutong Dubai’s Signature Experience

Located on the 17th floor of the Shangri-La, Hutong Dubai is much more than a bar; it is a destination. Renowned for its pan-Asian heritage, bold flavors, and world-class design, the venue has become a beacon for luxury hospitality in the UAE.

As Bar Manager, Andreas Qepali is entrusted with overseeing not only the day-to-day operations of the bar but also the creative identity of its cocktail menu. His work is recognized for handcrafted, innovative creations that blend artistry with flavor, reflecting both Hutong’s culinary ethos and the cosmopolitan energy of Dubai.

Professional Voice & Industry Presence

In a city where cocktail culture is constantly evolving, Andreas has emerged as a respected professional voice. His participation in hospitality-focused media and interviews with Caterer Middle East and Instagram features highlight his role in shaping Dubai’s bar scene.

By speaking on trends, innovation, and the guest experience, Andreas helps position Dubai as a serious global competitor in the world of mixology. His insights reflect a professional who not only manages a venue but also actively contributes to the dialogue of modern hospitality.

Guest Experience & Mixology Vision

For Andreas, bartending is more than mixing ingredients—it is about creating narratives and emotions. At Hutong, he orchestrates a holistic experience where every element of the bar, from the aesthetics to the service standards, works in harmony with his innovative cocktails.

His vision emphasizes:

• Innovation: Bringing new flavors and techniques into Dubai’s competitive scene.
• Aesthetic Design: Ensuring drinks are as visually stunning as they are flavorful.
• Service Standards: Building a culture of precision, warmth, and attentiveness.

This combination has helped Hutong become a standout venue where each cocktail is not just consumed but experienced as a work of art.

Legacy in Progress: A Name to Watch in Dubai

Although his journey is still unfolding, Andreas Qepali has already established himself as a name to watch in Dubai’s bartending industry. His ability to balance operational leadership with creative innovation positions him among the city’s most promising bar professionals.

With Hutong’s reputation for excellence and Andreas’s passion for mixology, the future points toward continued recognition and influence. He is not only shaping the identity of Hutong but also contributing to the larger story of Dubai as a global hub for cocktail culture.

Summary Snapshot

The Journey of Andreas Qepali

The journey of Andreas Qepali, now the Bar Manager of Hutong Dubai, is one defined by ambition, creativity, and an unshakable passion for the art of mixology. In a city like Dubai, where hospitality standards are some of the highest in the world, Andreas has managed to carve out his identity as a bar leader who not only creates cocktails but also curates memorable guest experiences.

Andreas’s fascination with bartending began with a curiosity about how simple ingredients could be transformed into complex flavors that tell stories. Early in his career, he immersed himself in learning every aspect of bar operations—from understanding spirits and balance to studying global trends in mixology. His hands-on approach, coupled with a desire to innovate, quickly set him apart from peers.

His rise to prominence came through Dubai’s competitive hospitality scene, where only the best thrive. Taking on the role of Bar Manager at Hutong Dubai, located on the 17th floor of the Shangri-La, he was entrusted with not just operations but the creative direction of the cocktail menu. This was a responsibility that required him to blend artistry with precision. He crafted handcrafted drinks that reflect the essence of Hutong’s pan-Asian identity while catering to the cosmopolitan expectations of Dubai’s clientele.

Under his stewardship, the bar has become known for its bold and visually stunning creations that go beyond taste to embody design and storytelling. For Andreas, every cocktail must strike a perfect balance—appealing to the senses of sight, smell, and taste while leaving a lasting impression. His philosophy is that cocktails are not just beverages but experiences in a glass.

Andreas has also established himself as a voice in the industry, being featured in Caterer Middle East and across social media platforms like Instagram. His presence in these spaces reflects his role as both a practitioner and a thought leader, shaping conversations about the evolution of cocktail culture in Dubai.

His journey is still unfolding, but his influence is already clear. By combining innovation, tradition, and guest-centric service, Andreas Qepali represents the new generation of bartenders in Dubai—professionals who see mixology as a craft, an art, and a lifestyle. From curiosity to mastery, his path is proof that with passion and vision, bartending can become a platform for storytelling and cultural expression.