Monica Berg is an award-winning Norwegian bartender and entrepreneur, internationally recognized for her innovative contributions to the mixology industry. As co-founder of the renowned London bar Tayēr + Elementary, she has revolutionized the approach to cocktail creation, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and the use of seasonal ingredients.
Born in Oslo, Norway, Monica Berg began her career in the hospitality industry at the age of 15, working in various establishments in her hometown. After attending the H. Butlers Bartending School, she became its owner and director, demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial spirit from the start. Her passion for mixology took her to several European countries, including Greece, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
In 2013, she moved to London, where she worked as head bartender at Pollen Street Social. She later returned to Oslo to work with Himkok team, known for its experimental approach. During this time, she represented Norway in the World Class Bartender of the Year finals.
In 2016, she co-founded P(OUR) with Alex Kratena, Ryan Chetiyawardana, Jim Meehan, Simone Caporale, Joerg Meyer and Xavier Padovani, a non-profit organization dedicated to education and knowledge sharing in the industry. The goal is to promote a more inclusive and conscious hospitality culture by addressing issues such as sustainability and diversity.
In 2019, she and Alex Kratena will open Tayēr + Elementary. The venue is divided into two distinct areas: Elementary, an informal, all-day spot that offers classic cocktails reimagined with seasonal ingredients, and Tayēr, an experimental space dedicated to innovation in mixology. The name "Tayēr" is derived from the Spanish word "taller," meaning "laboratory," reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving approach. In 2020, Tayēr + Elementary debuted at number five on the World's 50 Best Bars list, solidifying its reputation as one of the most influential bars in the world.
In addition, Monica launched Muyu, a line of spirits developed in collaboration with Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale. In 2019, Monica co-founded BackOfHouse, a digital platform that allows hospitality workers to anonymously report inappropriate behavior, discrimination, and harassment in the workplace. The initiative aims to promote a safer, more respectful environment.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Monica and Alex launch Tayēr RTD, a collection of ready-to-drink drinks that combine classics with contemporary flavors, making quality mixology accessible outside the bar. In 2022, she was appointed creative director of the Campari Academy, an international educational platform for bartenders, where she contributes to the development of training programs.
Her cocktail creation philosophy is based on using fresh, seasonal ingredients and working with local farmers to ensure the highest quality. She takes a collective approach to creating drinks, involving the entire team in experimenting and developing new recipes. Monica has a strong focus on accessibility, using the criteria of "would you serve this to your mother?" to determine if a drink should be on the menu.
Berg has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including the Industry Improver Award at the Nordic Bartender's Choice Awards in 2017, International Bartender of The Year at the Spirited Awards of the Tales of The Cocktail in 2019, Altos Bartender's Bartender from The World's 50 Best Bars in 2019, and the top spot on the Bar World 100 list of the most influential people in the industry. Additionally, she was listed in the 2018 Wallpaper Graduate Directory as one of the emerging talents to watch.
