FULL NAME: Finbarr Shaw
Venue: The Crimean
ADDRESS: 351 Queensberry St, North Melbourne
PHONE: 03 9329 3353
Web: thecrimean.com.au
Finbarr might have ended up behind a bar but before he turned to the art of drinks mixing he was on track for the a more divine calling. Now with six years of ‘tending under his belt the and currently holding court at The Crimean in Melbourne he could be found tucking into on of his favourite porters or drinking almost unpronounceable eastern European elixirs on his nights away from the bar.
Career:
Before you were bartending what were you doing with yourself?
“Studying to be a priest.”
How long have you been bartending?
“5 to 6 years.”
What is your proudest moment behind the bar?
“It hasn’t happened yet!”
And most embarrassing?
“A couple…both involve falling over behind the bar in front of girls.”How do you prepare yourself for success in a cocktail competition?
“Chin ups, Proteinis…the usual stuff.”Where have you worked previously?
“Panama Dining Room, T42 and Gigibaba“
Favourites:
What’s been your favourite bar to work in?
“The Crimean and Panama“
What’s your favourite bar gadget?
“The Automatic Triple Straining Robo-Boston”
What’s your favourite city to visit?
“Varanasi.”
What’s your favourite movie?
“Easy Rider.”
What’s your favourite song?
“Lately I’ve been listening to Javelin and Xploding Plastix (and Balkan Gypsy music).”
Describe your fantasy bar.
“New York hot dog vendor trolley converted into a bar so I can wheel it anywhere I like.”
What is your favourite product to work with at the moment and why?
“Becherovka because it’s hard to pronounce and easy to drink.”
What do you drink to…
Unwind after a long shift?
“Over winter, Robust Porter from Bridge Road. In the summer, pretty much any cold beer.”If you could have a drink with one person (alive or dead) who would it be and why?
“A glass of sherry with my great grandma Elvy.”
Can you tell us some of your favourite bars to visit?
“Maquis of Lorne for a beer after a long ride. Collingwood World for excellent cocktails. I went to Der Raum recently, that was fun.
Other Stuff:
What was the last book you bought?
“American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis.”
If you could have a superhuman power what would it be – why?
“Ability to turn otherwise uninteresting liquids into booze with my mind, to sell from my hot dog stand bar.”
If you were to be something other than a bartender, what would it be and why?
“Anything that involves being paid to travel would be great.”
Who’s your hero?
“The Earl of Sandwich.”Last drink ever – what would it be?
“Can of Cascade Blue.”
