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Daniel’s journey began almost 15 years ago straight after graduating from hospitality high school. With a background in 5 star luxury hotels, Daniel have been traveling to many countries working for some of the best hotels in the UK, Italy, Spain and Dubai under Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott. In 2018 after a long experience in hotel bars, Daniel worked behind the bar at Paradiso, a bar highly recognised by the World’s 50 Best Bars. After 3 years there he started a new chapter landing in Oslo, Norway. Working at Svanen cocktail bar he quickly became a recognised bartender in the Norwegian bar industry by winning the title as Bartender Rising Star for the Bartender Choice Award in 2024. Taking over at Svanen as Head of Production and Research & Development, Daniel and the team of Svanen are working on DGÆ, a new exciting project that includes reusing leftover and wasted products from farmers and bar production, giving them a second life in delicious products.
Bartender Atlas: Where were you born?
Daniel Pappa: I was born in Milano, Italy
BA: What city do you work in?
DP: I currently work in Oslo at Svanen Cocktail Bar
BA: Where do you go out to eat and drink on your days off?
DP: I’m a quiet guy. I don’t like big parties or clubs. I like to drink in quiet places and enjoy my glass of brandy or whisky. For restaurants I always love to try new food at new places. At the moment my favourite places to eat are Koie Ramen and Girotondo.
BA: What do you do outside of work on your days off?
DP: I really love sports, it helps me balance out my lifestyle, which for a bartender is not always the healthiest. I like to be in nature – a walk a lot, especially during summer which is the perfect time in Norway to go hiking.
BA: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
DP: I’ve received a couple pieces of advice in my life, definitely the most useful one that helps me in my daily life is about discipline and patience. As I was not a very patient person, I wanted everything to happen super fast, but thanks to this advice I understand that sometimes things come when you stop chasing them.
BA: What’s something you’re excited about?
DP: I’m very excited for my future and to see how DGÆ project will evolve after the amazing achievement of winning the 2025 Torres Brandy Zero Challenge.
Find Daniel on Instagram
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted April 18th, 2025