Lachy, as he’s known, has made quite a name for himself mixing things up on Sydney’s north side. He took on a role at Kirribili bar, The Botanist, and has since been promoted — he’s now looking after both bars in the Applejack Hospitality Group. Perhaps the secret to his success so far is his keen interest in lawn bowls?
How long have you been bartending?
5 years
Where have you worked previously?
Alberts Tavern, The Stoned Crow, The Mayor Bar and Dining.
Before you were bartending what were you doing?
Finishing school.
What is your proudest moment behind the bar?
Finally being able to master a rum blazer without burning my hand in some way!
The most embarrassing?
Besides burning myself on a rum blazer? Probably knocking a whole cocktail on this poor woman as I was joking around and trying to garnish it like a clown!
How do you keep the chat up while at work?
A double shot espresso on ice, and a classic Ray Charles tune blaring in the background!
What advice would you give to a rookie bartender?
Be enthusiastic, keen to learn, and don’t be afraid to make a fool out of yourself once in a while!
Favourites:
What’s been your favourite bar to work in?
The Botanist, but The Mayor was always a good laugh!
What’s your favourite bar gadget?
A chilled mixing glass.
What’s your favourite joke?
Q. Why did the scarecrow win an Oscar?
A. Because he was out standing in his field!
What’s your favourite movie?
Wedding Crashers
What’s your favourite song?
The Seed 2.0 – The Roots
What’s your favourite sport?
Can’t go past a cheeky game of Lawn Bowls
What’s your favourite cocktail?
A Penicillin:
60ml Blended Scotch
20ml Fresh Lemon Juice
20ml Honey and Ginger Syrup
Float of an Islay Scotch
Drink:
What spirit should people be drinking more of?
Rum.
Some of your favourite bars to drink at?
The Foxtrot, The Mayor, The Baxter Inn, The Wild Rover (basically anything starting with ‘the’) … and Frankie’s Pizza.
I haven’t had the chance to check them out yet but looking forward to going to Death & Co and Milk & Honey one day!
What’s your favourite product to work with at the moment and why?
Working at The Botanist we have ‘The Botanist’ Gin, so that’s always fun convincing customers that we make it ourselves in house!
What’s the weirdest or strangest drink you’ve ever had?
By far the weirdest drink I’ve ever had was a snake-infused whiskey on the river in Vang Vieng, Laos. Those guys are crazy!
What’s the most enjoyable occasion to have a drink?
Finishing a big shift!
What do you drink to:
Unwind after a long shift?
A big pale or dark ale for sure!
Impress a date?
Nice bottle of Barossa Shiraz!
If you could have a drink with one person (alive or dead) who would it be? And why?
Hunter S. Thompson. Would most probably be my last too!
Rye Whiskey or Tequila?
Would have to say tequila.
Other Stuff:
What was the last book you bought?
Richard Bransons ‘Tips they don’t teach you at Business School’.
What drink trends are popular at the moment?
Gins are becoming more popular. And of course winter warmers such as mulled wine and dark ales!
If you could have a superhuman power what would it be?
Time travel – drinking a beer at a bar in the Wild West, working at a secret bar in Prohibition times! That sort of thing!
If you were to be something other than a bartender what would it be?
Probably something to do with my Sports Business degree.
Who’s your Hero?
My Granddad.
What do you think will be popular over the coming months?
Irish Whiskey
Where do you see yourself in 20 years time?
Hopefully being lucky enough to call a bar my own somewhere in the world!
Last drink ever?
Pint of Coops! (Pale of course).