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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.

First look: Showtime, the new cocktail menu from Maybe Sammy

Tasting (and talking) through three drinks from the award-winning bar’s new list.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 12 Sep 2025

The Willy Wonka from Maybe Sammy's new Showtime menu. Photo: Boothby

What’s it like working in your family’s 140 year old whisky business?

Kirsten Grant Miekle talks House of Hazlewood, and being the fifth generation of the William Grant & Sons family business.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 11 Sep 2025

Kirsten Grant Miekle, fifth generation William Grant & Sons family member.

“First month was great, first night was hell.” Dani and Oska Whitehart on opening a bar

Partners not just in business, but in life, Bar Bellamy’s Dani and Oska Whitehart have just opened their second venue. But before they did, Sam Bygrave talked to them about opening a bar and doing life together.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 9 Sep 2025

Dani and Oska Whitehart. Photo: Boothby

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.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 5 Sep 2025

Alice Newport. Photo: Supplied

Shirley Yeung & Pippa Canavan share advice on creating a winning RHUBI Apéritif drink

Entries into the #JustAddRhubi Bartender Competition for 2025 are open now.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 4 Sep 2025

Pippa Canavan and Shirley Yeung from Mix Haus. Photo: Supplied

The top 50 bars in Victoria, according to bartenders

Get the full list and all the award winners here.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 2 Sep 2025

The Gin Palace crew celebrating their All Time Great VIC win at the Boothby Best Bars VIC awards. Photo: Harrison Moss

Friday recipe inspo: 6 more bartenders’ advice on creativity, recipes, and more

“Don’t be afraid to fail,” why boundaries can help your creativity shine, and more.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 29 Aug 2025

Charlie Hunter is one of six bartenders sharing advice and experience in today's newsletter. Photo: Boothby

How the luxe cocktail list at Scarfes Bar came together

“We mapped out the emotional framework first and then built drinks to sit within those chapters.”

By Sam Bygrave

/ 25 Aug 2025

The Curtain Call cocktail at Scarfes Bar. Photo: Supplied

Five bartenders share their advice on creativity, and making memorable experiences

On getting it wrong, and making beautiful things for people.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 21 Aug 2025

Jay Cozma at Old Mate's Place in Sydney. Photo: Boothby

“There’s something radical in making something beautiful,” says Andie Bulley

The award-winning bartender on creativity, ideas, and why story is everything.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 21 Aug 2025

Andie Bulley at The Waratah in Sydney. Photo: Boothby

Charlie Hunter: “Creative problem solving is huge in hospo.”

“It all comes back to the guest experience,” says the Dark Blue bar manager.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 21 Aug 2025

Charlie Hunter at Dark Blue in Brisbane. Photo: Boothby