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Drinks At Work

Talking team, culture, and hospitality with Stefano Catino

The Maybe Sammy owner on hard work. Plus: a chef's takedown of food guides, reviewers, and awards.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 3 Oct 2024

Stefano Catino at the Better Bars Summit in June. Photo: Christopher Pearce

Bars are where fashion, music, art (and food and drink) come together for Ross Blainey

If we bring little elements of other fields into the bar, then it heightens the whole experience, he says.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 25 Sep 2024

Ross Blainey on day one of the Better Bars Summit during Bartenders' Weekender.

‘That wine wankery makes people feel inferior,’ says Samantha Payne

Advice on wine and wine lists tailored to bartenders.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 12 Sep 2024

Samantha Payne and Sam Bygrave during the Better Bars Summit. Photo: Christopher Pearce/Bartenders' Weekender

Luke Whearty on five years of Byrdi, and why there are too many average guest shifts

Byrdi takes over Icebergs this Sunday in Sydney — we’ll see you there.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 6 Sep 2024

Luke Whearty on five years of Byrdi, and why there are too many average guest shifts

Shirley Yeung on Mix Haus, working with Rhubi, and more

Entries into the Just Add Rhubi cocktail competition are open now — here’s what you need to know.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 5 Sep 2024

Shirley Yeung with Mix Haus co-founder Pippa Caravan (left). Photo: Supplied

10 years in: Nick Corletto on Maybe Mae’s longevity and upcoming tour

The best cocktail bar in Australia you haven’t been to — yet.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Aug 2024

Maybe Mae turns 10 years old this month. Photo: Supplied

“It’s about the storytelling for us,” says new Balvenie ambassador, Joseph Chisholm

How Joey went from being a bartender — and a butler — to the brand ambassador for a favourite brand beloved by bartenders.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 31 Jul 2024

Joseph Chisholm, left, with Ross Blainey. Photo: Christopher Pearce

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