THE BARRO NEGRO TEAM
STELIOS PAPADOPOULOS / Co-Owner
Having spent most of his career exploring the magic world of agave as part of his bartender and tequila ambassador work, Stelios’ expertise in the category is second to none. Thanks to a great deal of studies and travels around Mexico, he is the first non-Mexican to have received the title of “Tequila Connoisseur” on behalf of the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT).
Over the years, Stelios has contributed to spreading awareness and education around the agave and tequila categories through a variety of roles and initiatives that have culminated in the opening of Barro Negro Athens. Fostering a new, dynamic image of tequila, mezcal, and Mexico alike, through contemporary vibes and mixology, Barro Negro Athens has cemented Stelios’ leading role on the international agave and bar scene.
GEORGE KAVAKLIS / Co-Owner
A central and proactive player on the Greek hospitality scene, George started his bar career in 2013 when he opened Spoiled Cocktail Bar in Daphne, Athens. Since then, both George and the venue have been recipients of a variety of awards. The continuous quest for development and progress has led George to create a modern and fully equipped mixology lab nearby Spoiled for the team to experiment and work on innovative preparations. Over the years, a deep passion for Mexico and the world of agave has captured George, leading him and co-founder Stelios Papadopoulos to open Barro Negro Athens, the capital’s first tequila & cocktail bar in the city center.
ILIAS GIVISIS / BAR MANAGER
Ilias’s sense of hospitality is rooted in a career that started in his teenage years. With over ten years of experience across various outlets in the capital and in the islands, his love of bartending is as solid as his technical knowledge, supported also by diplomas at
Athens’ Bar Academy. Now Bar Manager of Barro Negro, Ilias joined the team in late 2020, bringing his remarkable passion and drive for all things mixology and spirits. Always seeking to learn, for Ilias Barro Negro has been an opportunity to delve into the magic world of agave spirits, embracing its fascinating heritage and replicating the sense of sharing that is at the heart of Mexican culture. Creativity, a continuously nurtured interest in ingredients, and techniques, coupled with a peculiar enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge, make Ilias the perfect ambassador of Barro Negro Athens.
IOANNA PAPAFILI / BARTENDER
With previous experience in the UK, Ioanna joined the Barro Negro Athens team two years ago. Passionate about hospitality, she has used her drive to delve into the world of mixology, tequila, and mezcal, and grow within the team. In her current role as a bartender, she is committed to looking after people, delivering great drinks and experiences that showcase Barro Negro Athens’ vision of Modern Mexico, and also contributing to representing women in the industry.
GIANNIS KARAPAS / BARTENDER
Born and raised in Athens, Giannis fell in love with bartending at a very young age. Having worked in bars across the Greek capital for eight years, Giannis has joined the team at Barro Negro Athens in 2023. Passionate about connecting with guests and sharing the cocktail-making creativity that sets this bar apart, Giannis adds his skillset to the talented and energetic team of Barro Negro.
ANNA MARNIEROU / BARTENDER
Anna recently joined the Barro Negro Athens team with a vision to develop her knowledge of her favorite spirits: tequila and mezcal. Driven by a strong enthusiasm and passion for bartending, Anna has a warm and positive spirit that reflects her love of communicating with people and offering the utmost hospitality experience.