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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.

How two bartenders turned a pandemic-era keg cocktail side hustle into a proper drinks brand

Andy McIntyre & Mitch Keane are eyeing east coast expansion for Idle Hands Drinks Co.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 12 Jul 2023

Exit interview: Harrison Kenney talks Bar Planet, winning Best New Bar in NSW, and the future

The award-winning bartender on what makes an award-winning bar.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Jul 2023

Harrison Kenney picking up the trophy for Best New Bar NSW presented by Tequila Patrón. Photo: Christopher Pearce

Why Sam Ng gave up the corporate brand ambassador life to open a bar

Ng has opened Puffy Bois, where the focus is on fun, pizza, and some very good drinks.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 5 Jul 2023

Puffy Bois Sam Ng (left) and Zul Zaba. Photo: Supplied

What to expect from the bar when Alfie’s opens in September

The latest Liquid & Larder restaurant promises a bar that is “a destination in its own right.”

By Sam Bygrave

/ 4 Jul 2023

What to expect from the bar when Alfie’s opens in September

Breakfast cocktails, anyone? Get the recipe for this French Toast Flip

Okay, you might prefer it at brunch, but this cocktail from Otis in Sydney works at any time of day.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 3 Jul 2023

Breakfast cocktails, anyone? Get the recipe for this French Toast Flip

What to expect at McRae Bar, the luxe new cocktail bar at Capella Sydney

Are more high-quality cocktail bars coming for Sydney hotels?

By Sam Bygrave

/ 30 Jun 2023

What to expect at McRae Bar, the luxe new cocktail bar at Capella Sydney

Eduardo Conde is the 2023 winner of Diageo World Class Australia

The high-flying bartender will go on to represent Australia at the global finals later this year.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 Jun 2023

Eduardo Conde is the 2023 winner of Diageo World Class Australia

Breaking down the Philadelphia Fish House Punch recipe

It's time to #drinkmorepunch — and Philly's finest is a great place to start.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 Jun 2023

Breaking down the Philadelphia Fish House Punch recipe

Here’s the beauty in three ingredient drinks (and how to wring complexity from them)

Get Shay Chamberlain's in-season riff on the Gimlet.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 26 Jun 2023

Here’s the beauty in three ingredient drinks (and how to wring complexity from them)

Get a look at all the photos from the Boothby Best Bars NSW awards

The crowd at Jolene's blew the roof off the place.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 24 Jun 2023

Get a look at all the photos from the Boothby Best Bars NSW awards

Go inside new cocktail bar Apollo Inn (and learn what to expect from the drinks)

“It’s the most ‘me’ menu I have ever created,” says bar manager Cameron Parish.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 23 Jun 2023

Get a look inside Apollo Inn in Melbourne. Photo: Earl Carter/Supplied

The 50 best bars in NSW according to bartenders

What makes a great bar? We polled the best of the NSW bar industry to point the way.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 22 Jun 2023

The 50 best bars in NSW according to bartenders