Life as a brand ambassador: “I travel 200 days each year, and it feels like I’m always coming home.”
How to travel like a brand ambassador, the Alice Newport edition.
Spending some 200 days on the road each year, Alice Newport — the well-travelled James B. Beam ambassador — shares what she listens to, the bars she returns to, and why wherever she flys, she feels like she’s just got home.
On a trip to Perth this year I learned that I’d really love to explore more of Australia. I did a couple of hikes while I was there, and it really struck me that there is so much I haven’t seen yet. So, I’ve decided that I’m going to take advantage of all the amazing travel I do for work, and make sure I go somewhere new each time I visit a city — and not just a new bar or restaurant, but really explore new parts of the places I’m visiting.
The last purchase I made that really meant something to me is an Obsidian ring I bought while we were in Mexico last year. It’s beautiful and the stone changes in the light. It was not only a very special trip, but also my first time in Mexico City — a place I totally fell in love with. It’s also very rare that I get to travel and really be on holiday — it’s perfect reminder of all those things.
The best book I’ve read this year is Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll. Highly recommend, but I’m super excited to read Butter next. That will 100 percent be my book of the year. It’s written by Japanese author Asako Yuzuki and I am very excited to dive into it.
If I were to describe my sense of style, I’d say it is Indie Kid meets Elder Emo Chic.
I listen to a lot of Aussie bands when I’m travelling. Music has always been a huge part of my life, I grew up going to gigs and I’ve worked in venues and in live events, so listening to music and the bands I’ve seen live makes me happy. A great band, a good drink and your friends is one of the best things in life, and listening to those bands while I’m travelling gives me a little slice of that feeling.
The last podcast I listened to that inspired me was 99% Invisible — I really love it. It’s a design podcast that explores the why and how of things that are ingrained into daily life — things we wouldn’t consider the background of or know how they were created.
I travel about 200 days each year, and it feels like I’m always coming home. I’m lucky enough to have lived in multiple cities and have best friends in these places all around the world. So, every time I head to a city, I really feel like I’m coming home. That’s one of the reasons I love what I do so much.
My airport playbook is: I always pack the day before, and I’m a list person, so I work out what I need for my trainings, my meetings and the like. I tend to get to the airport way too early, so I grab a comfy nook, have a snack and either work or read. I check in as much luggage as I can so there’s less to scan through security. I fly Qantas normally as their screening processes are quicker. I always pick my seat — I’m not fully giving away my spare seat hacks — but I tend to sit towards the back of the plane. I always take a coat because planes are cold and coats can double as a pillow or a blanket. I have yet to master the skill of packing light.
The strangest place my job has taken me is to an open mic, cash-only jazz and funk club inside a billiards club in Louisville. That was a great night.
The collaboration I’ve been involved in that spoke the most to me was one in 2023 — I partnered with Julio Bermejo and Dre Masso, two of the loveliest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. We did an Australian and New Zealand tour for a program I was running. The way the hospitality community showed up to hear them speak and engage with their stories — and how the two of them responded, really reminded me why I love advocacy and how fostering strong communities within the industry is impactful.
Open my fridge and you’ll find many condiments, hot sauces, an array of Jim Beam RTDs, some boujie wine, and lots of veggies.
The most expensive bottle of booze I’ve bought for myself is a Redbreast 27, that or a Havana Club Union. Delicious drops!
The last playlist I listened to was a playlist from my friend Wingo in the States. A little more country influence than I’d normally allow, but he is from Dallas, so he gets a pass.
My favourite place for late night eats is a taco chain, Taqueria Orinoco in Mexico City, but in Australia, the toastie reigns supreme. Take me to Foxtrot Unicorn in Perth please!
Emotions are what drives me. I am all about the feelings. People spend a lot of time trying to hide from their feelings, but I believe they should be embraced and talked about. Especially in such a creative and pressurised industry.
If I’m not working, you’ll find me in one of our amazing friends’ bars, with my best mates, drinking delicious wine and laughing. Or walking a ridiculously long way. My friends and walking are the two things that keep me sane.
The work of art I keep returning to is probably a Mark Rothko — anything by him makes me stop in my tracks.
The app I use most on my phone, outside of social media, is probably the ABC Listen App. I listen to the news each morning while I’m getting ready. It’s a nice way to start the day.
The bar I always return to is OldMate’s Place in Sydney. It’s my happy place. The best drinks, my favourite rooftop and wonderful people. The perfect trifecta.
The bar I wish I could visit more often is Panda & Sons in Edinburgh. Those guys make me really happy.
If there’s one hotel I would love to go back to, it would be Castlemartyr in Cork. But when I’m travelling, I always try and stay in a Pullman or an Art Series hotel. The attention to detail and service is consistent, and they really focus on making their guests welcome.
If you look at who I follow on Instagram, you’ll see a lot of bartenders, so many bloody talented bartenders. My friends are so damn good at what they do.
I think a great bar is made of people. You’re loyal to bartenders and owners, not bars. It’s the people who put the care and love into what they do every day, who focus on the details and who turn venues into the places where you’re most comfortable.