Rhys Oldfield

When Be At One opened in May 1998, cocktail bars were focusing heavily on design and aesthetics and less on drink quality and service. These bars were the antitheses of the environment Rhys and his two partners wanted to drink in and spend time in. So, armed with a couple of car loans and several credit cards, they bought a run-down Indian restaurant on Battersea Rise, south London.

Be At One opened its doors and was an instant success. Some 20 years later after a long journey of ups and downs Be At One had 34 sites and a net turnover of £42m, and was sold for in July 2018 for £50m. Rhys, who began his career in cocktails working for TGI Friday's in 1991, is now an investor and adviser to several businesses in the out-of-home food and drink market.

What will you be looking for in the Havana Club Bar Entrepreneur of the Year?

I'll be looking for people who innovate whilst keeping the main thing the main thing. People and Profit. Training staff to hit the high notes whilst keeping the guests wanting more and telling their friends.