Introducing – Brad Dickman

McCrae Pavilion
671 Pt Nepean Road McCrae
mccraepavilion.com.au

Last of the flair bartenders? Brad Dickman spruiks fire-breathing amongst his repartee of tricks, and when he’s not trying to up-sell you one of his favourite rums, or push a boutique beer at you he is dreaming about being a pro basketball player. A fan of the slow game (cricket), Brad tends bar down at Melbourne’s McCrea Pavilion having also done a stint at T.G.I Friday’s back in the day. Think twice about not tipping his though, his favourite bar tool is a big sharp knife.

Career:

How long have you been bartending?

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“Just over three years.”

Where have you worked previously?

“T.G.I. Friday’s, Velvet Bar, Slate Bar & Restaurant.”

What is your proudest moment behind the bar?

“Probably a flair show I did for the high rollers at Crown Casino.”

Q+A: “I think Australian craft beers will continue to grow as a category over the next year. I’m really trying to push more premium rums over the bar too, so hopefully we’ll see an increase in that as well!”

And most embarrassing?

“Having a rip at the bottom of my work pants on a really busy night at the bar. One of the other bartenders stood on the rip and it went all the way to my crotch. Couldn’t even get five minutes off bar to fix it!”

Favourites:

What’s been your favourite bar to work in?

“Definitely McCrae Pavilion. So far it’s been very fun challenging the drinking standards along the peninsula. The crew behind the stick are a lot of fun as well!”

What’s your favourite bar gadget?

“Easily a good sharp knife – a great asset to a bartender.”

What’s your favourite city to visit?

“Melbourne all the way. Great nightlife, and the quality of bar culture is amazing.”

What’s your favourite movie?

“The Bourne Series.”

What’s your favourite song?

“Pattern Against User by At The Drive In. Always gets me pumped up!”

What’s your favourite sport?

“Basketball. So much intensity!”

Drink:

What’s your favourite cocktail? (List ingredients and be product specific if possible.)

“Ask me on the night! Though I do love a Don Julio Reposado Old-Fashioned with agave nectar and Regan’s Orange Bitters. Boom!”

Describe your fantasy bar.

“Any bar without blenders is alright in my book. Spend a season at T.G.I.s and you will understand.”

What is your favourite product to work with at the moment and why?
“Appleton Estate Rums. Solid and reliable rum that’s great to use in classic rum drinks.”

What products do you think will be hot over the coming year?

“I think Australian craft beers will continue to grow as a category over the next year. I’m really trying to push more premium rums over the bar too, so hopefully we’ll see an increase in that as well!”

What do you drink to…

Quench your thirst?

“Gin and Tonic!”

Impress a lady?

“Well… I do have a girlfriend so sitting back with a good bottle of wine is always a win.”

Unwind after a long shift?

“I’m pretty classic, so a scotch and coke is tasty or a Trumer Pils.”

If you could have a drink with one person (alive or dead) who would it be and why?

“Bob Marley. I don’t know how much drinking we would be doing though…”

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

“Depends on the night, but some Melbourne favourites are Black Pearl, Platform 3 (in the old days!) and Lounge for the louder times…”

Other Stuff:

Can you juggle, perform any magic tricks or have any other unusual talents?

“I’ve been flairing for over 3 years but I can also fire-breath.”

What was the last book you bought?

“Beach Bum Berry’s Re-mixed by Jeff Berry.”

Who’s your hero?

“Glenn McGrath. I love cricket.”

If you could have a superhuman power what would it be?

“Instant teleportation. So handy after a long shift or a long night out.”

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

“A Pro Basketball Player.”