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Drinks At Work

Five years in with NSW’s number one bar: Sebastian Soto on Double Deuce Lounge

It has been a big year: the bar turned five, and they picked up two trophies at the Boothby Best Bars NSW Awards.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 27 Jul 2024

Sebastian Soto celebrates the win at the Boothby Best Bars NSW awards in July. Photo: Christopher Pearce

How to open your first bar — landlords, money and more

Advice from four award-winning bar operators.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 10 Jul 2024

Stefano Catino and Martin Lange. Photo: Christopher Pearce

Emma Sleight on how the World’s 50 Best Bars works

“That’s why the list is so dynamic and by its nature controversial.”

By Sam Bygrave

/ 3 Jul 2024

Emma Sleight is head of content for World's 50 Best Bars & Hotels. Photo: Supplied

How the Never Never deal got made (and what it means for the brand)

It’s one of the few Australian indie distillers to get snapped up by a big player.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 12 Jun 2024

From left: George Georgiadis, Sean Baxter, and Tim Boast. Photo: Supplied

“I very much saw a gap in the market.” Sean Baxter and Cara Devine on creating valuable brands

And with the recent acquisition of Never Never by a bigger company, it’s timely advice.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 9 May 2024

Cara Devine and Sean Baxter at Paramount Liquor's Future Proof Adelaide. Photo: Supplied

Five years in at Alba Bar & Deli with Jamie Fleming

How far can sherry, jamon, and hip hop take a bar?

By Sam Bygrave

/ 23 Apr 2024

Jamie Fleming at Alba Bar & Deli. Photo: Boothby

How much do you really know about cognac? Hennessy’s Jordan Bushell wants to help you out

Talking sustainability, memorable rituals, and Hennessy MyWay comp advice.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 11 Apr 2024

Jordan Bushell is the global ambassador for Hennessy. Photo: Supplied

How (and why) Ben Luzz renovated a nearly 30 year old Melbourne icon

‘There’s a double economy thing happening at the moment,’ says the Gin Palace owner.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 3 Apr 2024

Ben Luzz at Melbourne icon Gin Palace. Photo: Dean Schmideg

“This industry is all about personality,” says Rooster Rojo’s Abbie Weir

The Rooster Rojo Rumble is looking for six bartenders to fly to Sydney — and one to Greece.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 28 Feb 2024

Abbie Weir is the agave specialist for Amber Beverages Australia. Photo: Boothby

The List: Jay Gray on how Sago House landed on the 50 Best Bars list

How a bar on a derelict floor of a shophouse, with a flat management structure and nightly airing of grievances racks up accolades.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 22 Feb 2024

The List: Jay Gray on how Sago House landed on the 50 Best Bars list

“It’s so easy to find fakery.” Stu Gregor on storytelling, Australian spirits industry, Four Pillars and more

In conversation with the chair of judges at the forthcoming Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Feb 2024

Stu Gregor, co-founder of Four Pillars and chair of judges at Sydney Royal's new spirits comp. Photo: Supplied

Samuel Thornhill created the Drink of the Year in 2023 (here’s how he did it)

The Byrdi head bartender talks about the year-long process of creating the drink, and removing the distinction between bar and kitchen.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 31 Jan 2024

Samuel Thornhill winning the Drink of the Year presented by Patrón