Meet the Masters Behind Every Elite Cocktail Course in Singapore

Beginning his career in 2015 at Manhattan Bar, he rose swiftly from server to head bartender, guiding the bar back into the World's 50 Best Bars in 2022 and earning recognition for his inventive yet refined style. Among his accolades are Best Gin & Tonic of the Year at the East Imperial Gin Jubilee and championship titles at Woodford Reserve's The Wonderful Race, where he represented Southeast Asia.

Passionate about genuine hospitality, Kelvin prides himself in crafting cocktails that are layered and nuanced.

His philosophy is shaped by a respect for classic cocktails and a belief that great hospitality begins with understanding the individual in front of him.

Experienced across a breadth of luxury hotels and respected cocktail venues, Shawn's career has taken him from Mandarin Oriental Singapore to The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, followed by four formative years at Malaysia's award-winning Bar Trigona. He later expanded his repertoire at forward-thinking concept Analogue, and at Singapore's iconic ATLAS, before joining +Twelve Beach Club. These experiences exposed him to a diversity of techniques, guest expectations, and bar philosophies, strengthening the intuitive, poised style he brings to his craft today.

Since joining The St. Regis Bar Singapore, Shawn has been drawn to the venue's blend of heritage and contemporary cocktail culture. He places emphasis on classics as the foundation of the bar's identity, while introducing his time at Trigona and Analogue. His clarified Tiramisu Negroni, created during his Campari Asia 2018 win, reflects this approach, combining familiarity with a modern, expressive touch.

Shawn's accolades include winning the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition in 2020, where he competed globally, and achieving Top 5 in the Campari Bartender Competition Asia in 2024. 

As The St. Regis Bar continues to evolve, Shawn hopes to contribute to a cocktail programme that feels distinctly St. Regis—one that is refined and timeless, and yet open to fresh interpretation. Guided by everyday interactions and seasonal ingredients, he aims to shape drinks and experiences that resonate with both hotel guests and local cocktail lovers, further establishing The St. Regis Bar in Singapore as one of the city's most compelling bar destinations.

His career began at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, where he honed himself in the fundamentals of luxury hospitality and discovered the artistry behind cocktail craft. He later brought his skills to WOOBAR at W Singapore Sentosa Cove, immersing himself in the brand's dynamic energy and learning to pair speed with flair. In 2023, Cleven returned to the St. Regis brand by joining The St. Regis Singapore.

When creating cocktails, Cleven draws inspiration from his personal life, as well as the history and geography of the places he has encountered. He is especially drawn to gin for its aromatic complexity from various botanicals and spices, and also enjoys experimenting with underrated ingredients to surprise the palate.

Guided by great mentors and driven by curiosity, Cleven continues experimenting with new techniques while staying true to his philosophy - that bartending is as much about artistry as it is about the people.