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Sam Bygrave

Sam Bygrave is the editor and founder of Boothby Media, where he writes, shoots, and talks about bars, bartenders and drinks online and in Boothby’s quarterly print magazine.

What Calliope Draper learned working three of The World’s 50 Best Bars

As ever, the little things make a big difference for great bars.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 13 Mar 2025

Calliope Draper wins the Roku Scholarship at The World's 50 best Bars 2024. Photo: Supplied

Nick Favaro talks 10 years of Bar Torino

Plus, two recipes from the bar on the Hendrick’s Curious Gin Trail.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Mar 2025

Nick Favaro talks to Hendrick's ambassador James MacRae at Bar Torino. Photo: Boothby

Original Adelaide small bar Proof honours the classics, says co-owner Shane Ettridge

Plus, get two Proof recipes from the Hendrick’s Curious Gin Trail.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Mar 2025

Shane Ettridge at Proof in Adelaide. Photo: Boothby

Two rollicking recipes from the good times of Memphis Slim’s

“It feels like a whole other place down here,” says bartender Caleb Wilkin.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Mar 2025

James MacRae and Caleb Wilkin talk at Memphis Slim's in Adelaide. Photo: Boothby

At Bank Street Social during Fringe, the drinks are set alight

Plus, get their two recipes from this year’s Hendrick’s Curious Gin Trail.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Mar 2025

Rose talks to James MacRae at Bank Street Social. Photo: Boothby

Matty Opai talks ‘invisible restaurant’ and 10 years of service at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar

Why the award-winning bar director still calls the iconic venue home.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 5 Mar 2025

Matty Opai (left) talks hospitality on this episode of Drinks At Work. Photo: Boothby

The Bartenders’ Weekender timetable is here: 33 events, with more to be announced

Mark your diaries and book your time off for a long weekend this June.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 28 Feb 2025

There are tastings, takeovers, talks and big hospo parties to be had at Bartenders’ Weekender. Photo: Christopher Pearce

Nick Baxter on what he’s looking for in a great rum cocktail (and the Archie Rose White Cane Rum Riff)

Neighbourhood by neighbourhood, there are cash prizes up for grabs.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 Feb 2025

Nick Baxter on what he’s looking for in a great rum cocktail (and the Archie Rose White Cane Rum Riff)

Another round: how The World’s 50 Best Bars works with Emma Sleight

“That’s why the list is so dynamic and by its nature controversial.”

By Sam Bygrave

/ 26 Feb 2025

Emma Sleight is the head of content for The World's 50 Best Bars. Photo: Supplied

Counter meal: the lobster roll at Banco is a dish we love

Here's what you need to know, and the recipe for their take on the classic dish.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 24 Feb 2025

The lobster roll at Banco. Photo: Boothby

How to use it: Milagro Silver & De Kuyper Blue Curaçao

Forget international Margarita day — there’s a big world of classics ripe for tequila riffing (with a pop of colour).

By Sam Bygrave

/ 21 Feb 2025

Milagro Silver and De Kuyper Blue Curaçao at Double Deuce Lounge. Photo: Boothby

Guess who’s coming to Sydney for Maybe Cocktail Festival

Plus: the state of the bar business right now (go hassle your local candidate)

By Sam Bygrave

/ 19 Feb 2025

Stefano Catino during the Maybe Cocktail Festival last year. Photo: Boothby