“There are plenty of amazing human beings on the scene: hard-working owners, managers, bartenders, waitstaff, and kitchenhands. We love to support each other’s businesses, it’s a wholesome community that I love to be a part of.”
Last September, Nick King and Anna Wealands opened Olivette, a unique speakeasy in regional NSW that channels the glitz and glamour of the 1920s while celebrating their mutual love for whisky, cocktails, and genuine hospitality.
Story by Andy Ratcliff, email him at andrewjohn@me.com Photography by Christopher Pearche @christophernpearce Ramblin Rascal…
You hear the words Jungle Bird, and you’re probably thinking it was a Don the Beachcomber drink from California circa the 1950s. But this one actually hails from the Aviary Bar, at the Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur in 1978.
The cocktail list is small and concise. Nicolian says there are cocktails but it’s not a massive focus, so everything is quality but not taking itself too seriously. Think sangria, Rebujito (sherry and lemonade) and Menta Julip, which is, you guessed it, the Bar Louise take on a Mint Julep featuring rye whiskey.
We will be kicking things off on 7th September and wrapping up with the 23rd Annual Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards on 11th September.
Nestled atop Melbourne’s iconic Curtin House, Mesa Verde has been a fixture in the city’s culinary landscape for over a decade. Since opening its doors in 2013, this rooftop agave bar and restaurant has been delighting diners with its unique blend of Mexican flavours and Melbourne flair.
“The cocktails feature native/foraged ingredients from Dee Why surrounds and take guests on a journey through classic styles of drinking in our own ULLO way.”
Some of the best bars from around the globe will be descending on Sydney this April for the second annual Maybe Cocktail Festival.
“It will be the perfect place to sit and enjoy some oysters freshly shucked for you right at the bar, a few ice-cold martinis and live jazz piano tunes.” – Dave Spanton, Owner, Spanton Hospitality
“We will have different events daily, including sponsored drink specials, our collab whisky release, bar takeovers, live music, bands, oh and free massages to end the week. It’s gonna epic so pack your Hydralyte and Nurofen for a full fun packed Rascally week! – Cosmo
The Kings of Cool: We sat down Swillhouse executive team for an exclusive interview about bars, culture & how they do their thing