About us

I was born in Brooklyn, raised in Vermont, and first came to Martha’s Vineyard over ten years ago. I developed a love for this beautiful and special island while working at Atria for many summers, while spending my winters tending bar in Vail and Park City.

In the fall of 2019, while working at Gramercy Tavern in Manhattan I refined my bartending skills working alongside some of the very best mixologists. I not only mastered the classics but also developed a true appreciation for craft cocktails. This unique expression of a bartenders creative vision became my passion.  With my time at Gramercy Tavern cut short, I rode my bicycle back to Vermont to wait out COVID-19.

During this time I was free to work on developing my concept of a private bartending service.  I wanted to provide my clients with exceptional service along with fresh and exciting cocktail interpretations. My years behind the bar in many restaurants had given me a unique understanding of what people are looking for when they are celebrating events, whether intimate or large. And while my time in New York City was unforgettable, it was my dream to return to the island to bring this vision to life.

In the summer of 2021 my vision of MV Speakeasy became a reality. In addition to many private events, I began consulting with other businesses on the island and started by developing the cocktail menu at a small cocktail initiative called Hemmingway’s Bar – a pop up cocktail program for an established Island business named Behind the Bookstore.

My next venture was with Blue Flag Partners and Life House Hotels at the Pelican Club,  located at Kelley House Hotel in Edgartown. The concept behind the Pelican Club was to create a new modern outdoor eatery featuring  small plates, sushi and craft cocktails that would complement the historic New England tavern known as The Newes From America Pub. I developed and wrote the cocktail menu for both The Newes and the Pelician Club. The Pelician Club quickly became the hottest spot on the island. 

My commitment to excellence and attention to detail can be seen in the photos of the bar setups here on my website or @MVSpeakeasy on Instagram. With each event, I pride myself on mirroring my client’s personality and interests so that the bar is a reflection of what defines them and their event. It is my hope that clients gathering with friends are able to relax while knowing that the vision for their party can be executed seamlessly.

I look forward to meeting with you to develop your vision for your next unique event.

Cheers!
Brett