Updated on May 10, 2026
At Bar Gustave, Frank Carcamo embodies a sensitive and culturally rich vision of the cocktail, where aesthetics, storytelling, and emotion come together. His rich and unique background fuels a personal approach, transforming the venue into a true space for experience and knowledge-sharing.
At the helm of Gustave, the new bar at the Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Frank Carcamo embodies a rare vision of hospitality, inspired by literature, painting, and a love of beauty.
Born in Peru, he grew up and studied in Milan. Passionate from a very young age about poetry, philosophy, and the visual arts, after earning his high school diploma in science, he pursued studies at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. This artistic foundation continues to shape his conception of the bar: as a space of composition, balance, and emotion, where the gesture matters as much as the atmosphere.
Arriving in Nice without speaking French, he sought an initial outlet for his creativity and chose the highly cosmopolitan world of cocktails. What was meant to be a transition became “a calling.” Frank Carcamo thus discovered a profession that brings together everything he is passionate about: aesthetics, precision, human connection, the energy of service, and an eye for detail.
He continued his career and rose through the ranks at several leading establishments on the French Riviera. It was in this spirit that he envisioned Gustave: not as just another anonymous hotel bar, but as a distinctive venue that is both refined and contemporary. He wanted a place where every guest is welcomed in a unique way, where a cocktail is at once a pleasure, a story, and a memory. A place where people come for the taste, of course, but also for the conversation, for the beauty of the gesture, for that rare feeling of having experienced a moment of respite.
At his side, head bartender Julien Lecharpentier, with whom he has been collaborating since 2018, brings cutting-edge expertise in creation and mixology. From this synergy emerges Gustave’s identity: a bar conceived as a complete experience, at the intersection of craftsmanship, emotion, and style.
Frank Carcamo: “Gustave is an integral part of the history and spirit of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo”
At the helm of Gustave, Frank Carcamo draws on literature, painting, and aesthetics to fuel his passion for the art of bartending. Born in Peru, he grew up in Milan and built his professional career at several high-end establishments along the French Riviera. Today, he has the rare privilege of setting the tone for the brand-new bar at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. For Gustave, he envisions a place where hospitality, attention to detail, and the art of the cocktail carry on the history of the five-star hotel that began 130 years ago.
Your career path is far from the traditional routes in the hospitality industry. How did it begin?
Frank Carcamo: From a very young age, I was passionate about literature and poetry. Discovering Pablo Neruda, around the age of 12, was a defining moment for me. I’ve also always been very drawn to painting and philosophy. That’s what led me to enroll at the Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, where I spent twelve years. At the time, I saw myself working in the arts rather than in a bar. My plan was even to go to Paris to learn French and read the poets in their original language.
What led you to the world of bartending?
When I arrived in Nice, I didn’t speak any French at all. But I wanted to start working right away. And I figured that words like “mojito,” “margarita,” and “daiquiri” are pronounced the same way all over the world. So I started buying books, practicing at home, and learning the recipes. My first opportunity came at Mala Beach in Cap-d’Ail, and that first season was decisive. What was supposed to be a stepping stone turned into a calling.
What drew you to this profession to the point that it became “a calling”?
At first, there was of course the product, the joy of learning, and the curiosity surrounding cocktails. But very quickly, I realized that this profession went far beyond that. There’s the technique, the aesthetics, the atmosphere, and the connection with others. There’s also management, passing on knowledge, and building a team. I realized that I loved mentoring people, helping talents grow, and creating an environment where everyone finds their place. My academic background in the arts undoubtedly gave me an appreciation for beauty—that desire for everything to be harmonious, balanced, elegant, and without excess.
Is that why you chose to work for some of the most prestigious fashion houses on the Riviera?
That’s where you learn about high standards, attention to detail, and the coherence of a concept, but also the importance of the human factor. In such establishments, everything matters: the product, of course, but also the team’s energy, the consistency of the hospitality, and the way a vision is brought to life.
Why did the Gustave project make you want to join Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer?
There is something in the name “Gustave”—in the collective imagination, in its connection to a certain idea of the Belle Époque—that resonates with my tastes and sensibilities. I love places that tell a story. I love it when a concept isn’t limited to a single function but opens up a whole world. Here, it’s about elegance, culture, atmosphere, and memory, combined with a genuine commitment to modernity. I had never really considered coming to work in Monaco, even though I’ve lived in the region for fifteen years. But Gustave was, for me, a no-brainer.
How does the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo shape your vision for the Gustave bar?
The hotel has a soul. When you walk into the Salon Belle Époque, when you look at the ceilings, the paintings, and the overall atmosphere of the place, you immediately realize that this isn’t just a neutral setting. It’s a hotel that inspires, that possesses depth and a unique sensibility. It’s not just beautiful for aesthetic reasons; it’s alive. For me, Gustave extends the hotel’s elegance while offering a contemporary and open experience. It’s part of the history and the living spirit of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.
What kind of atmosphere do you want to create?
I want a refined atmosphere, but never a stiff one. A place where you immediately feel the attention paid to the guest, to their mood, their pace, and what they want to experience in that moment. For me, every guest is unique. Luxury begins with this ability to welcome each person in a unique way. It’s not just about serving a great cocktail, but about creating a complete experience: the welcome, the tone, the story, the rhythm, the beauty of the gesture. People should be able to come to Gustave for the taste, for the atmosphere, for the conversation, for the pleasure of a moment that leaves a lasting impression.
You often talk about storytelling, culture, and passing on traditions. What role do these elements play in your approach?
A central one. A cocktail can convey inspiration, a story, or a reference. A conversation at the bar can lead to poetry, philosophy, a memory, or a bygone era. I want the team to be able to convey this naturally, without ever being overt. If the guest leaves thinking they’ve experienced something unique—a moment in time—then we’ve succeeded.
You’ve been working closely with head bartender Julien Lecharpentier for eight years. How has this synergy shaped the development of Gustave?
It’s incredibly valuable. Over time, we’ve built a real rapport. Julien brings a strong focus on creativity, innovation, and pure mixology, with a deep passion for techniques and ingredients. For my part, I’m perhaps more focused on the overall experience, the atmosphere of the space, the relationship with the customer, and supporting the teams. This synergy allows us to build something cohesive and distinctive. We have a real ambition for Gustave: to create a bar that stands out and that one day can be counted among the greats.
- Frank Carcamo has forged a career shaped by literature, art, and aesthetics.
- He views the bar as a space for expression, where the cocktail becomes a language.
- At Gustave, he champions a holistic experience blending atmosphere, storytelling, and emotion.
- For him, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo is a place steeped in history and inspiration.
- His approach is rooted in tradition, culture, and attention to detail.
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