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Better Know Your Bartender

Mattia Arnaboldi elevates the Old Fashioned at Aster

The ingredients to a great drink served 32 floors closer to the stars.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 19 Dec 2025

Mattia Arnaboldi at Aster atop the InterContinental Sydney. Photo: Boothby

Death & Co’s Samantha Katsikas on bringing an iconic American bar to Brisbane

Also: why Toowong? Translating Death & Co for a local audience..

By Becca Wang

/ 18 Dec 2025

Death & Co venue manager Samantha Katsikas. 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

Death & Co. cofounder Alex Day on service, details, and opening their Melbourne outpost

“The inevitable reality of the universe is that it always changes.”

By Fred Siggins

/ 2 Dec 2025

Alex Day in Federation Square in Melbourne. Photo: Fred Siggins

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

One bartender’s last gig behind the stick? Leading the Shaman opening team

It’s once more again in the trenches before taking that cushy group gig, says Tim Pope.

By Becca Wang

/ 13 Nov 2025

Tim Pope is shaking things up at Shaman, in Brisbane. Photo: Supplied

‘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

How to craft a killer non-alc program with Aidan Perkins

At Milquetoast, the non-alcs get as much love and attention as the strong stuff.

By Becca Wang

/ 5 Nov 2025

How to craft a killer non-alc program with Aidan Perkins

Kristin Christie takes out the national final of Speed Rack Australia

All the action from the toughest bartending comp around.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 20 Oct 2025

Kristin Christie takes out the national final of Speed Rack Australia

The bar world mourns the loss of Leeroy Petersen

The beloved bartender, bar owner, and former world flair champ has passed away.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 10 Oct 2025

The bar world mourns the loss of Leeroy Petersen

Inside the winner’s circle with the Step Into The Never Never Winners

Mystery bartending challenges, helicopters, wineries and more for a cocktail comp unlike the others.

By Fred Siggins

/ 7 Oct 2025

Inside the winner’s circle with the Step Into The Never Never Winners