If you have been paying attention to industry-related things, Keegan McGregor should be a familiar face. Keegan has been bartending throughout Atlantic Canada for over 15 years from dive bars and music venues, to casual fine dining. In 2024, he was crowned Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year and has been extensively travelling Canada and the world, highlighting his microcosm of hospitality.
Bartender Atlas: Keegan, where were you born?
Keegan McGregor: I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, but I grew up in Moncton, New Brunswick and St. John’s, Newfoundland.
BA: What city do you work in now?
KM: I work in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at Highwayman Restaurant & Bar.
BA: What’s your job title or how would you describe your role in the hospitality industry right now?
KM: My job title right now is bar manager of Highwayman, but I’m also the World Class Global winner of 2024. So I’m kind of traveling the world and kind of an influencer.
BA: You embraced a bunch of hyphens recently.
KM: Yes a whole lot of hyphens.
BA: When you go out to eat and drink on your days off in Halifax where do you go?
KM: There’s a couple spots I go. I like going to Dear Friend in Dartmouth for a nice cocktail or going to The Narrows in the North End Halifax for a nice fish and chips/pub vibe.
BA: What do you do outside of food and drink stuff on your days off?
KM: Outside the restaurant bar community, I’m a father so I spend a lot of time with my son and try to relax as much as possible. I also have a couple dogs so I walk them. I’m busy. I joke that I have four jobs.
BA: What’s the best advice that you’ve ever gotten and it doesn’t need to be work related? It can be, but it doesn’t have to.
KM: The best advice I’ve ever gotten was just to be the best version of yourself. At all times.
BA: What’s something that you’re excited about?
KM: A lot! I’m going to Barcelona for Paradiso Sustainability Summit at the end of March which is gonna be crazy. I’m going to Macau for Asia’s 50 Best Bars which is gonna be wild. My life has done a drastic 180 since winning World Class, so I’m just excited about everything.
Find Keegan on Instagram.
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted February 17th, 2025
