Our Story
Bar Tales was founded on a single conviction: that the East African beverage industry deserves world-class standards.
Founders
Dougie Duncanson
Dougie Duncanson is a seasoned drinks industry expert with over 30 years of experience in hospitality, mixology, brand building, and sales. Originally from Scotland with strong ties to Kenya, Dougie began his career as a bartender in the United Kingdom, where he developed a deep appreciation for cocktail craftsmanship and premium spirits.
Over the years, he built a strong reputation working alongside some of London’s leading venues, including collaborations with The Ritz, the Gordon Ramsay Group, and The Artesian. These experiences helped shape his expertise in elevating cocktail programs and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
After three years with Red Bull UK, Dougie went on to excel as a sales account manager for Diageo Reserve in central London, gaining valuable experience in brand development and premium spirits.
He later served as Senior Brand Ambassador for Diageo Reserve East Africa, where he championed luxury spirits across the region. In 2015, he introduced the Diageo World Class program to Kenya, connecting local bartending talent to a global platform and raising industry standards.
Dougie is also the founder of Bar Tales Ltd, a consultancy focused on advancing cocktail culture, training hospitality professionals, and creating bespoke drinks experiences across Kenya and beyond. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of bartenders and hospitality leaders.
Arj Sahi
Arj Sahi is a high-impact creative operator and brand specialist, recognized for his ability to engineer market relevance through a blend of high-octane energy and tactical precision. As a veteran restaurant and bar owner, Arj operates at the critical intersection of hospitality, culture, and commercial strategy. He specializes in the complex architecture of brand positioning, successfully launching and scaling global spirits in emerging markets by building authentic, “on-the-ground” resonance.
An elite training expert and seasoned event producer, Arj’s portfolio includes the execution of world-class experiences for global stages such as Formula 1, the World Cup, MTV, and The Voyager. His approach is defined by a meticulous obsession with the guest experience, ensuring that every touchpoint—from regional market entry to large-scale activation—is executed with bold, memorable flair.
At Bar Tales, Arj leverages his unique imaginative edge to transform operational frameworks into cultural landmarks. Known for his creative intuition and a relentless pursuit of detail, he remains the driving force behind the agency’s strategic growth. Whether engineering a brand’s regional dominance or championing the perfect spicy margarita, Arj’s work is a testament to the power of detail-driven hospitality.