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.

Best of 2025: Q&A with Bar Bellamy’s Dani and Oska Whitehart

“The more you learn the more you know there is more to learn.”

By Sam Bygrave

/ 9 Dec 2025

Bar Bellamy in Carlton, Melbourne. Photo: Supplied

‘More substantive than a guest shift.’ How one bar is collaborating with an award-winning bartender

Plus, the bar that has Krug on by the glass for a hospo only price.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 8 Dec 2025

Bar Tilda at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Photo: Supplied

All the action from the fourth annual Boothby Drink of the Year Awards

Get a look at all the photos and socials from the last big bar world event of the year.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 5 Dec 2025

All the action from the fourth annual Boothby Drink of the Year Awards

2025’s best bars: Q&A with Frog’s Hollow Saloon owner Peter Hollands

What makes the bar an award-winner, and how they’re approaching the year ahead.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 4 Dec 2025

Frog's Hollow Saloon in Brisbane. Photo: Christopher Pearce

This is the 2025 number one Drink of the Year

Get the full ranked list, and all the major award winners, including the 2025 Bartender of the Year.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 1 Dec 2025

A full house at El Vista for the Drink of the Year Awards., Photo: Christopher Pearce

Advice on entering the Diplomático Artisans of Taste competition

Up for grabs is a trip to Brazil — entries are open until December 10.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 1 Dec 2025

Advice on entering the Diplomático Artisans of Taste competition

Bar industry strengths and weaknesses with Dre Walters

How one operator is navigating excise tax increases, rent, and more.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 Nov 2025

Old Love's and Old Mate's Place co-owner Andres Walters at the Better Bars Summit. Photo: Christopher Pearce

Are there too many bar shows?

You might guess what my response is — but here’s why.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 24 Nov 2025

The bartenders in this year's Bartenders' Weekender scholarship in Brisbane. Photo: Harrison Moss

Trinity Bird takes out the 2025 #JustAddRHUBI Mix With The Best Bartender Competition

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RHUBI On Tuesday night in Melbourne, five bartenders from around Australia gathered at Runner Up Rooftop for the #JustAddRHUBI Mix With The Best Bartender Competition. Cheered on

By Sam Bygrave

/ 20 Nov 2025

Trinity Bird takes out the 2025 #JustAddRHUBI Mix With The Best Bartender Competition

Daisy Tulley has questions: “Every opportunity is an opportunity to learn something.”

The Mucho Group general manager talks to Sam Bygrave about running one of Australia’s great, idiosyncratic bar groups.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 14 Nov 2025

Daisy Tulley at the Mucho Group head office in Enmore. Photo: Christopher Pearce

‘There’s only so many local botanicals you can squeeze into a bottle.’ Talking NZ spirits with Dave Hawk

The good and the not so great of the NZ spirits scene.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 10 Nov 2025

The judges at the NZ Spirits Awards this year. Photo: Supplied

An agave to call their own

500km to the north of Sydney is a distillery that is uneconomical, wild, and almost hopeless — that’s what makes it beautiful.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Nov 2025