ITALIAN native, Palmira helms Marcello, Singapore as Head Bartender, bringing almost a decade of international mixology experience. Celebrating the best of modern Italian drinking, Marcello serves carefully curated drinks using craft spirits and high-quality ingredients sourced directly from Italy. Palmira injects an energetic zest to Marcello and its innovative cocktail programme.
Palmira started her career aged just 18, when she began working at a club in Bologna. Initially a fun way to dip her toes into the industry, she quickly developed a love for hospitality, which led her to continue working at bars across Italy.
Palmira’s career went international in 2013, when she was offered a role at the esteemed Punch Room in The London Edition Hotel. Here, Palmira refined her expertise, working on a variety of punches for the awardwinning menu using avant-garde techniques, liquid measurements and garnishes. Having developed a thirst for travel, Palmira moved to Singapore in 2016 to lead innovation at The Cufflink Club, before moving to Sydney for a role that channelled her Italian roots, working at Bar Macchiavelli to create Italianinspired cocktails to complement the classic menu items. Having followed her feet throughout her career, Palmira brings a wealth of international experience and subsequent creative flair to Marcello’s beverage programme.
Even though she claims ‘behind a bar’ is her favourite place in the world, she has a passion for adventure, and has travelled extensively; one of her favourite experiences to date was learning to make tequila (her tipple of choice) at La Forteleza Distillery in Mexico.
In addition to being fluent in both Italian and English, Palmira speaks conversational Spanish. With this stunning profile, below are interviews done over email with the dazzling Palmira: What does it feel like to be one of few female bartenders? That’s a very interesting question – I don’t really consider myself to be part of a smaller category, although I know that there are less female bartenders, and men tend to stick with the career for longer than women.
In saying this, I think the number of female bartenders is rapidly growing, and we’re really starting to make a mark in the industry! What are some of the “behindthe- scenes” struggles you face as a bartender? I consider myself to have one of the best jobs on earth; getting to know people from all over the world, experiencing new flavours and cultures, being creative, travelling, and meeting new people all of the time.
Of course, as with anything, there are small struggles – try standing on your feet for 12 hours a day, and never being sure when you’ll have the chance to eat! – but I don’t think these struggles amount to much when you love what you’re doing so much! Why did you choose to become a bartender? What motivated your journey? I actually fell into bartending by mistake – I guess you could say that bartending found me! A close friend of mine told me about a job in a club, where I could work to earn some extra cash over the weekends.
I was only 17 years old at the time, and was still studying. I fell in love with bartending, and haven’t worked another job since! What do you like about being a bartender? I love talking to new people all day – it’s such an important part of our job. I like to think that a guest will come into the bar to escape ‘real’ life for a little while, and just let loose and enjoy themselves, and that I’m able to help them do this.
What is your most memorable moment as a bartender? I have so many great memories from my time as a bartender, but one of the best has to be when my favourite singer was standing in front of me, whilst I made a drink for her – surreal! What is your favourite drink to make? Either Negronis or Margaritas (which also happen to be my favourite drinks to drink!).
What is your life like outside the bar? Often spent on the other side of the bar! Jokes aside, I have a great community of people in the industry here in Singapore, so I often pop by to other great bars on the scene here to check out their cocktails and catch up with friends.
Of course, I work rather unsocial hours, so I usually have a lie in or chill in the sunshine in order to rest and relax ready for another crazy night at Marcello! With that, Palmira invites those travelling from Sarawak to Singapore to visit her sultry new Italian Cocktail Bar to have a go at her creations that she is passionate about. Cloaked in a thick blue velvet curtain, Marcello comes to life by night with dynamic tunes that escalate to match the vibe throughout the evening, only to dissipate again before dusk.
The space – designed by leading New York design firm, AvroKO – is transformed from a bright daytime deli into an intimate, lively bar through hidden walls and cabinets and cleverly used lighting that all comes into play as daylight fades.
Antique bar features mixed with eclectic treasures add to the atmosphere, evoking the timeless glamour of fine Italian craftsmanship, fashion and festive drinking traditions.
To complement the drinks menu, the bar serves a selection of small plates using seasonal ingredients from Italy. Each dish pairs naturally with fine drinking to encourage social eating and sneaky late-night snacking.
Highlights include Stuffed Dried Dates : a trio of exotic flavours: sweet dates, tangy gorgonzola, spicy salami; Charred Octopus : tender octopus, cannellini beans and pepperoncino, dressed with herb infused extra virgin olive oil; Truffle Arancini : fried risotto balls filled with mushrooms and truffle oil.
With highly personalised and vibrant Italian-inspired service, Marcello is the Quayside neighbourhood’s hottest new haunt – ideal for a post-work wind-down or pre- or post-dinner weekend drinks. To meet Marcello in person, stop by for Aperitivo Hour from 7-9pm, Monday – Friday, to enjoy SG$8 Rosata Spritzes.
