Worker Bee: meet Lyndon Higginson, the crazy cocktail bar entrepreneur

Lyndon Higginson – Captain_Lyndon to his social media followers – is a budding entrepreneur who is involved in so many Manchester bars we couldn’t fit them all in the title.

With his ability to predict coming trends, this drink fanatic from Crewe definitely possesses the midas touch with an impressive seven brands to his name and more on the way.

He is currently co-director of (deep breath) Liars Club, Cane & Grain, Crazy Pedro’s Part-Time Pizza Parlour, Junkyard Golf Club, The Golden Pineapple, Junior Jacksons, and B.eat Street. And he’s not resting on his laurels, with plenty more in the pipeline. Crazy Pedro’s Liverpool and Junkyard Golf in Oxford are on the way, and my old boozer – The Bay Horse Tavern – is opening later this year.

He somehow manages to bring a sense of enthusiasm and fun to all of his ventures, with fun things to do and excellent cocktails giving a whole new experience to a night out.

What got you started in your field of work?

The love of an amazing night out and a great drink.

Who have been the biggest influences on your work?

Jake Burger (curator of The Ginstitute, Erstwhile Bartender of Ye Olde Worlde, Ambassador of Portobello Road Gin,) Beau Myers (Beautiful Drinks/ Luck, Lust Liquor & Burn, Home Sweet Home, and Almost Famous,) and Sam Malone (bartender from Cheers.)

What is your proudest achievement so far?

Designing all of my places. It’s pretty scary when you design something and when it’s ready you open the doors and everybody essentially decides if it’s any good. I feel like I’ve been lucky so far.

What does your typical day involve?

Lots and lots of planning. We’ve got big expansion plans for Junkyard, Pedro’s, and Cane & Grain, so it’s pretty hectic at the moment.

How do you relax on your days off?

There’s not a massive amount of time to relax to be honest. Hendrix, my little boy, is 13 months old, so when I’m not at work I’m up with him. It’s amazing what you can do when you’re hungover.

What is the best advice you have been given or can give?

It’s an obvious one but location, location, location. It really is worth while paying more for the perfect site in the perfect place. It’s not worth taking a gamble on a great site in the wrong area.

If things hadn’t worked out, what else could you have seen yourself doing?

I don’t know really. Maybe an artist or maybe on the street? I used to be a mechanic but can’t really see myself getting back into that.

Tell us one thing about yourself people might be surprised to hear.

I once built a life-sized coffin and made the world’s biggest Zombie inside it. There were 150 bottles of rum, 2 bottles of absinthe, and lots and lots of fire.

Red or Blue?

Neither. I’m not really bothered about football.

Name your three favourite places in Manchester.

Bunny Jackson’s. It’s closed at the moment but it will return soon. Science & Industry – Massimo and the guys are really pushing boundaries with the drinks. Solomon’s, my local in Withington.

If you could change one thing about Manchester, what would it be?

Nothing really. I Love Manchester. I bet most people would say the weather, but I like that you never know what it’s gonna do. It snowed today and it’s nearly summer.

And finally, what do you love most about Manchester?

The people, the music, the bar scene.