BARTENDER: Sarah Clare, Melbourne

VENUE: Murmur
ADDRESS: 17 Warburton Lane, Melbourne
PHONE:  (03)96400395
WEBSITE: www.murmur.com.au

CAREER:

How long have you been bartending?

Eight years now, but I’ve been doing it seriously for the past five years.

Where have you worked previously?

A few places in Melbourne, Siglo and The Toff in Town to name a couple.

What is your proudest moment behind the bar?

When the first big function I organised at Murmur was a success; I was pretty proud of myself! It was Halloween and a lot of fun. I was wearing an Afro, hotpants and roller-skates, roller disco style.

And most embarrassing?

I was trying to reach a bottle of Tequila from the top shelf, it fell hitting me in the face and smashing everywhere! I’ve also taken a couple of big spills in the bar… yep I’m very graceful!

FAVOURITES:

What’s been your favourite bar to work in?

Murmur definitely! I’m lucky enough to get to turn up to work every day and work with good friends in a great venue.

What’s your favourite bar gadget?

Probably the humble ice crusher, there’s nothing worse than hand crushing ice for 40 Mojitos! Also I love the blowtorch but it seems to scare the customers. It could be the way I laugh hysterically whilst wielding it like a light-sabre!

What’s your dream holiday location?

Colombia (and not for the reasons you think). I’ve worked with heaps of Colombians in bars over the years and they’re great fun! You can have a paradise, but it’s the people that make the culture and the experience. Caliente!

Do you have a favourite celebrity?

Steve McQueen, no longer alive but what couldn’t he do! As for leading Lady’s I have a huge girl crush on Charlize Theron in Monster! I love a sexy lady that has no problem with looking like a hideous, crazy, lesbian serial killer!

DRINK:

What is your favourite product to work with at the moment and why?

Fee Brother’s Bitters. It’s hard to keep up, they keep adding new flavours! My favourite has to be the Chocolate Bitters (I could drink it from the bottle).

What do you drink to…

Quench your thirst?

A nice pint of Cider or two.

Impress a gentleman?

I don’t know any gentlemen but to impress a man I’d probably have a dark beer and a shot of Ardbeg.

Unwind after a long shift?

Depends on the shift… Long good shift probably a nice glass of red. Long bad shift, a strong Manhattan and a bottle of Rum!

Can you tell us some of your favourite bars to visit?

I love the Butterfly Club in south Melbourne. It’s so kitsch and quirky it’s like getting drunk at your grandmas! I’m also a big fan of Barnone. Good friendly bar staff have a big effect on your experience of a bar and the first time I went to Barnone the lovely lady behind the bar made me a kicking drink and kept us well entertained!

OTHER STUFF:

What was the last book you bought?

I read a lot, but usually hand me downs! The last book I read was Shantaram, the last book I bought was The Book of the Bunny Suicides… don’t judge me!

What kitsch cocktail garnish best describes your personality and why?  (i.e. a plastic monkey, a sparkler, a cocktail parasol, or a fluoro swizzle stick etc)

I’d say a plastic monkey cos I’m a bit of a dag, my friends would say a sparkler cos I can be a little quick tempered!

If you won Miss Universe what cause would you support in your victory speech?

Trying to abolish the international law that allows whaling for scientific research. The fact that they are still masquerading under these false pretences and getting away with it is ridiculous! Oh… and world peace!

If you were to be something other than a bartender, what would it be and why?

Truthfully; the Crazy Cat Lady. Although I worked in the reptile section of a wildlife park when I was younger and I really loved it (I still have a pet Python) I’d probably try to get involved in something like that. I get along well with animals!