The Loft’s cocktail mixologist is a frontrunner in the search for the Northern Rivers’ best bartender

He’s always dressed to impress and his cocktails at Lismore’s hatted restaurant, The Loft, are to die for. But is Howard Johnson the best bartender on the Northern Rivers?

The Loft‘s cocktail mixologist Howard Johnson.

A master of his craft who loves putting his own “twist” on cocktails is in the running to be named the Northern Rivers’ best bartender.

Howard Johnson has worked at Lismore’s only hatted restaurant, The Loft, for years.

He is a familiar face behind the bar, always dressed to impress, and is renowned for putting his own creations on The Loft’s extensive cocktail menu.

The mixologist has been nominated in our search for the region’s best bartender.

Voting is open now, and closes at 8am on Thursday, June 24.

On The Northern Star’s Facebook page, during the call-out for nominations, plenty of locals were quick to praise Mr Johnson’s skills.

Sally Sullivan said he offered “the whole overall experience”.

Edith Othage agreed, and said he was “great”.

“Always looks absolutely immaculate, makes everyone feel special and mixes the absolute best cocktails,” she wrote.

“I’m particularly partial to his ‘Campfire Espresso Martini’... in fact, I could go for one right about now.”

Ever humble, Mr Johnson replied: “Thank you so much for your kind words”.

He got his start in cocktail mixology when he did a course at the European Bartender School.

After completing the intensive course, he “fell in love” with bartending professionally, especially mixing cocktails.

If you think Mr Johnson is the best bartender on the Northern Rivers, vote for him here.