Lauren Paylor
HOME: Washington,, DC
QUAFF: Old Fashioned
Mixologist, writer, and nationally ranked bartender, placed in the top four in the 2019 Diageo USBG World Class and holds the titles for the Hardy Cognac Legend Competition 2019 and the Cognac Connection Competition 2020Featured in numerous media, including Imbibe, NBC News, Washington Post, Essence, and VinePairCo-Founder, Focus on Health, advocating for health and wellness for food and beverage employeesCommittee member, Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation (RWCF)
Lauren has worked many roles in the food and beverage industry, including lead bartender of Drink Co., F&B Manager for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants in Washington, DC, and most recently as bartender at Silver Lyan at the Riggs DC Hotel. Today, she spends her time creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable spaces through her work with Focus on Health and on her personal platform. She is currently the Seedlip Brand Ambassador in Washington, DC, a Safe Bars Trainer, and the social media coordinator for Speed Rack.