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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.

Talking team, culture, and hospitality with Stefano Catino

The Maybe Sammy owner on hard work. Plus: a chef's takedown of food guides, reviewers, and awards.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 3 Oct 2024

Stefano Catino at the Better Bars Summit in June. Photo: Christopher Pearce

Product Dive: Husk Distillery rums and Ink Gin

A deep dive on award-winning rum with distiller Quentin Brival.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 Sep 2024

Product Dive: Husk Distillery rums and Ink Gin

How Old Mate’s put together their latest cocktail list

It’s the first concept-driven list from the Sydney favourite.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 26 Sep 2024

Sarah Mycock at Old Mate's Place in Sydney. Photo: Boothby

Bars are where fashion, music, art (and food and drink) come together for Ross Blainey

If we bring little elements of other fields into the bar, then it heightens the whole experience, he says.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 25 Sep 2024

Ross Blainey on day one of the Better Bars Summit during Bartenders' Weekender.

The Drink of the Year Awards are back; entries are open now

We’re celebrating the best cocktails Australia’s bartenders have to offer.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 23 Sep 2024

Linden Pride on the Martini and aperitivo-led drinks list at Bobbie’s, Double Bay

The Dante NYC owner talks to us about his first Australian bar project in 15 years with Neil Perry.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 19 Sep 2024

Linden Pride at Bobbie's, Double Bay. Photo: Boothby

‘That wine wankery makes people feel inferior,’ says Samantha Payne

Advice on wine and wine lists tailored to bartenders.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 12 Sep 2024

Samantha Payne and Sam Bygrave during the Better Bars Summit. Photo: Christopher Pearce/Bartenders' Weekender

Dave Arnold is here — let your inner cocktail geek out for lunch

Catch Dave Arnold at The Waratah for a one of a kind lunch — tomorrow, Sunday 8th.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Sep 2024

Dave Arnold is hosting a one of a kind lunch at The Waratah tomorrow. Photo: Supplied

Luke Whearty on five years of Byrdi, and why there are too many average guest shifts

Byrdi takes over Icebergs this Sunday in Sydney — we’ll see you there.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 6 Sep 2024

Luke Whearty on five years of Byrdi, and why there are too many average guest shifts

Shirley Yeung on Mix Haus, working with Rhubi, and more

Entries into the Just Add Rhubi cocktail competition are open now — here’s what you need to know.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 5 Sep 2024

Shirley Yeung with Mix Haus co-founder Pippa Caravan (left). Photo: Supplied

Here are the Top 6 finalists in Espolòn Tequila’s Afterlife To The Bone cocktail competition

It's a stellar Top 6, with bartenders from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hobart making it through.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 29 Aug 2024

Jarah Retana's The Spur Reviver. Photo: Boothby

Monday recipe inspiration, from around the country

Six creative recipes from the Espolòn Afterlife To The Bone cocktail competition.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 26 Aug 2024

Georgia Gresham at Maker in Brisbane. Photo: Boothby