Venue: Eve Bar
ADDRESS: 334 City Rd Southbank
Web: evebar.com.au
Will has been behind the bar at Eve for quite a stint now and recently made it down to Sydney for the Australian Bar Awards to see Eve take out Nightclub of the Year – finally! A huge supporter of the bar industry and Australian Bartender, we thought we’d better get him into the mag!
Career:
ADVERTISEMENTHow long have you been bartending?
I have been in the hospitality industry for 12 years and been bartending for eight.
Before you were bartending what were you doing with yourself?
Studying psychology then realised the skills I obtained by studying I could apply them working behind the bar. Every conversation with a different patron is a case study in human behaviour.
What is your proudest moment behind the bar?
When I made my 1st flaming Lamborghini it was awesome!
And most embarrassing?
Flairing around with my bar blade and it accidently flew off into the crowd, lucky the patron that was hit on the head ended up being my regular and said: “Will this has to be yours, make sure you keep it on that side of the bar.”
Where have you worked previously?
Metro Nightclub, Queensbridge Hotel, Long Room, Platform One, Monsoons and Beah Club.
What’s your advice for a young aspiring bartender?
Take advantage of knock-off drinks and do not limit yourself to your favourite beer. Try and taste every spirit behind the bar.
Favourites:
What’s your favourite bar gadget?
My bar blade of course. It was hand carved out of an oak tree in my backyard that had been struck by lightning.
What’s your favourite city to visit?
Boracay, Philippines. It’s really an island, not a city, but its so beautiful it needs a mention.
What’s your favourite movie?
Anchorman – isn’t that everyones?
What’s your favourite song?
Afternoon delight – Ron Burgundy
What’s your favourite sport?
Basketball
Describe your fantasy bar.
I’m working in it and if you like a description you’re going to have to come see it for yourself!
What do you drink to…
Unwind after a long shift?
An ice cold Asahi and talk about the nights events have a laugh and think to myself thank-god its over.
Impress a lady?
Drambuie. So I can do a flamer in my mouth which may not impress the ladies to much but gets the fellas cheering.
If you could have a drink with one person (alive or dead) who would it be and why?
Frank Sinatra I don’t have to explain why but if do its because of this classic quote:
“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink, they wake up in the morning and that’s the best there gonna feel all day.“
Other Stuff:
What cocktail trends are popular at the moment?
Not so much a cocktail trend but vodka and coke has come back in. And I have no idea why but recently I’ve been asked to put raspberry into a corona a couple of times? What is going on with this RTD generation?
If you could have a superhuman power what would it be – why?
I would fly because I hate public transport, traffic and lifts that take too long.
If you were to be something other than a bartender, what would it be and why?
A psychologist because I love the study of human behaviour, people are unaware that we are creatures of habit, if you can study them and determine their next move keeps you ahead of the game.
Who’s your hero?
Has to be either Muhammad ali or Michael Jordan, Muhammad ali because he battled adversity and persevered. Or Michael Jordan because his kicks are fresh and anyone who has six championship rings in my book are awesome!
Last drink ever – what would it be?
New York Sazerac in one hand and a Cohiba cigar in the other.
