Q&A with our Echoes Bar Manager, James!

Welcome to our next Q&A! This interview is featuring our very own James Hoye. 

James is the Bar Manager at Echoes, our new bar in Henley-on-Thames. He originally joined us in July 2021 working in our taproom in Reading. James is a self-confessed nerd. He is passionate about Dungeons & Dragons and has been playing every week for the last 3 years or so.

 

First of all - what's your favourite Phantom beer so far?

Sweet Hallucinations because it was sweet and strong, yet far too easy to drink!

 

What style of beer do you want to see more of?

Lower strength breakfast stouts. Oaty, a bit of coffee, easy to knock back. Perfect. 

 

You’re creating a playlist for Echoes, who has to be on it?

If I had it my way, it’d be punk and metal but that’s a bit too intense for Echoes, so I’d go for Hendrix. 

 

Favourite thing about working in beer?

The public. I used to be a portrait photographer and loved dealing with people; so when I was looking for a new job, I knew it had to be something similar and bar work seemed ideal - the beer is a plus too!

 

What beer destination is top of your list to visit?

Anywhere that I’ve not been to before, as long as I’m with good company and there’s something new to try. I don’t have a list - I’m an opportunist! 

 

Sharks v tornados - whose side are you on?

I’ve seen Sharknado and it’s definitely wise to keep the two things separate. I’m backing tornados, they’re harder to avoid and do more damage. 

 

What do you want to see more of in the beer industry?

New beer drinkers! Some people say they “don’t like beer” but I think that they just haven’t found their style yet. Cider drinkers often like sours, wine drinkers often like imperial stouts and strong IPAs with fuller flavours. Beer is so varied, there’s something for everyone!

 

Did someone say...beer?

All the time, it's my favourite!

 

You can find James chatting to regulars at Echoes, balancing objects on his nose or maybe riding a unicycle…