Matt Keegan likes cocktails so it's no surprise he works in a bar.

The 27-year-old has been the bar manager at the St James's Street branch of The Tin Drum since before Christmas after joining the successful bar/restaurant business last May.

He started working in bars after being made redundant from an office job in Bristol.

He said: "A mate of mine was working in a bar and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do but it seemed a good job while I was working things out."

Now, five years later, he said he really enjoys what he does.

He said: "It's far more flexible than office work. I get time off in the week, which is much better because it's easier to get things done while everyone is at work."

He works upwards of 40 hours a week but the atmosphere is "very laid back" and there is "no real tension" at work even though he's responsible for the bar running smoothly.

Matt, from Brighton, said: "When you're dealing with the public you never know what's going to happen but the majority of them are very nice. And the people who work here are really cool.

"Most of them come from outside Brighton and we've had staff from the Netherlands, Canada and France, which makes it even more fun."

His favourite cocktail is a mimosa frappe - a mix of fresh orange, brown sugar, orange bitters, rum and a dash of lemon juice served over crushed ice and crowned with orange liqueur and champagne.

He said: "There are loads I love but you can't go far wrong with anything which involves champagne."

He would like to work his way up to bars at establishments such as the Ritz and the Savoy.

He said: "But, of course, the Holy Grail is running your own place and that might be something I want to do in the future."

The Tin Drum is about to open a third bar on Second Avenue, Hove, and has been recruiting staff for its launch in early April.

For more details, call 01273 202181.

*Thursday March 27 2003