Julian Cox on raising the bar at 22 Bishopsgate

With a focus on precision and innovation, Julian Cox is crafting a drinks programme that promises to elevate the city’s bar scene—literally and figuratively.

Julian Cox, vice president of beverage operations at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, is bringing his expertise to the much-anticipated 22 Bishopsgate development, where London’s highest dining and drinking venues (surpassing ‘the view from the Shard’) will debut in February 2025. 

“The space at 22 Bishopsgate is the inspiration without a doubt,” Cox told db. “The moment you step out of the elevators on the 60th floor you are met with endless panoramic views of London, the view is just begging for you to grab a frosty martini. At night, the bright lights of the city below make it the perfect place for a late-night cocktail.”

The beverage programme spans three distinct venues, including the Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay (pictured), which boasts an Asian-inspired menu, an expansive bar and a private dining room with views across London. The adjoining Lucky Cat Terrace is set to be the highest rooftop bar in Europe.

“Flavour is king, and everything that is served must be balanced and nuanced in flavour,” Cox said. “We’ve introduced innovative tools such as ultrasonic baths, centrifuges and liquid nitrogen, but these techniques only serve us if they enhance both efficiency and the guest experience.”

Returning fan favourites, like the Lucky Negroni, are complemented by fresh additions, including Cox’s personal favourite, the Speakerboxx. “It’s a cocktail with plum, tequila, shiso, eau de vie and English amber vermouth. It’s off-dry, carbonated in-house and perfect for something light before dinner,” he said. The martini selection also reflects Cox’s passion for refined classics.

Lofty ambitions

Creating a high-volume, world-class bar experience 61 floors up is no small feat. “The most challenging task for a project of this magnitude is creating a world-class program whilst also driving volume, and very rarely can you find a place that can do both aspects of a business seamlessly,” Cox said. “We’ve made it a focus to have speed and efficiency at the forefront, but with a strong backbone of an impressive team, led by Alberto Notari, impeccable service and strong techniques to maintain the loftiest of standards.”

The new venture is also set to influence London’s wider fine dining and cocktail landscape. “Lucky Cat, both the bar and the restaurant and Bread Street Kitchen will provide experiences and views you just can’t match anywhere else in the world, and it’s going to be amazing to be able to watch the way that influences how our guests dine. 

“Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High, however, is a true opportunity to redefine luxury dining in London, and I’m so excited to be a part of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants’ commitment to legacy and excellence,” Cox added.

Cox brings decades of expertise to this ambitious project. His previous roles include driving beverage innovation for MGM Resorts International, where he oversaw $4 billion in annual food and beverage revenue, and working alongside culinary icons like Nancy Silverton and Michael Mina. His accolades include being named one of Food & Wine’s 10 Most Influential Bartenders of the Decade and receiving multiple James Beard Award nominations.

For aspiring bartenders, Cox offered this advice: “Find a mentor! Whether that’s in drinks or in business, they are the most valuable asset from the moment you embark on your career. Throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to have a number of contemporaries that have allowed me to expand my knowledge and my technical skills. 

“Audrey Saunders, Dave Arnold, Ryan Magarian, Chad Solomon, Micky and Sam Ross, Salvatore Calabrese, Leo Robitschek, and countless others inspired different pieces of my development that in turn sped up my understanding of the industry,” he concluded.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High opens on 4 February 2025. Lucky Cat Bishopsgate opens on 3 February 2025.

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