Cameron Henning and George Hunter are changing the world one lemon at a time

George Hunter: We happened to cross paths on Tinder. Things went great as you can see but we decided to join forces because we are both creative people who want the same things from life. We strengthen each other and understand each other’s lives. Working in the hospitality industry together gives a clear understanding of the weird and tough hours we work.

Cameron Henning: I worked as a designer in the early days of our relationship before joining the industry. We just realised that we worked well together, playing on each other’s strengths and supporting our weaknesses. Absolut Invite in Sweden was the real test of how well we actually work together and what we can achieve especially under pressure. I believe that is why we won.

What is the biggest misconception that people have about bartenders? 

GH: The biggest misconception is that people think you cannot make a career out of it, that it’s only for students or a go-between job. It has led me to start up two small businesses, Anvil Ice and Copper Monkey, which supply luxury equipment and spirits to the industry.

CH: People don’t think that bartending is a serious career but it has so much potential. I also think that people believe bartending is an ‘easy’ job and our welfare is not often thought about. The Tahona Society, an organisation set up by Altos to support professional bartenders and focus on bartender wellness has done a great job of bringing this to light recently with the launch of the Collective Spirit Competition.

You guys have had some awesome career moments, what were some of the most memorable ones you’ve had? 

GH: Winning Absolut Globals. Not only because of winning, but because of how all the hard work paid off. Coming to Mexico has always been a massive dream for me, this came true when Cam and I came to Guadalajara for the global finals of Tahona Society Collective Spirit project we didn’t win globally but we were thrilled to hear upon our recent return that we are still getting prize money from Altos tequila to the value of R100,000 to fund our important work.

CH: Winning Absolut Globals has been the highlight of my career because it was my first competition and I am the first female bartender to win a global competition from South Africa. Mexico has always been on the bucket list, especially travelling here with George. It was amazing to see the tequila distillery and harvest some agaves.

Tell us more about your winning idea The Ubuntu Project and what you hope it will achieve. 

CH: The Ubuntu Project consists of a recycling programme where wastewater, food, and paper are collected to be used on our farm for irrigation, compost and recycled paper coasters. Bars and restaurants participating in giving us their waste to recycling will get fresh fruit and organic veg to nourish and feed their bar staff.

GH: Our project also takes unemployed people and we provide housing, skills, and equipment necessary to run a farm. The farm then produces all fruits, veg., or herbs that bars and restaurants use so we can sell directly to them. We hope to inspire all of SA’s bar and hospitality industry to make small changes or implement easy actions that can change lives and lessen the impact we have on the environment.  We need this to go far beyond just the ban of plastic drinking straws.

Finally, what is your personal drink recommendation for the summer? 

CH: An Altos Negriti – short, bittersweet but packs a punch.
GH: The Crafted Paloma – grapefruit based, refreshing and sweet or my personal favourite, an Old Fashioned.