The G’Vine Connoisseur Program

The French Gin brand G’Vine has developed a global program with the help of Door 74’s Philip Duff. The company is searching for 12 finalists from around the globe which they will then fly to France (Cognac and Paris) for a week of gin inspired challenges.

Ruby L’otel, Sydney

Opened in June this year following a swanky $2m revamp of the former Tattershall’s Hotel, Ruby L’otel offers something quite different to the Rozelle pub market. From Matt O’Neill and the founders of SumoSalad, James Miller and Luke Baylis, the venue pulls off the perfect mix of old and new with the public bar retaining a traditional feel and the huge beer garden providing a real wow factor.

Cargo Freestyle Cocktail Sessions

Cargo Lounge have invited ten of Sydney’s top bartenders to work behind the bar together for one night only, offering punters an up close and personal freestyle cocktail session spilling the beans on all the tricks and trades from behind the bar.

Tales of Tales by Jason Crawley

A real highlight of this year’s ‘Tales of the Cocktail’ was Dave Wondrich’s take on the History of the Modern American Saloon. Previously, the only time I had been significantly injected with such important perspective was after reading the first ‘Mixologist Journal’ when I truly discovered what could be called the origin of the species; the Punch.

The Generous Squire, Perth

The latest venue in the James Squire Brewhouse style has just arrived in the centre of Perth. The Generous Squire was officially opened by Master Brewer, Dr Chuck Hahn, at a recent beer and food festival in Perth. The venue is the newest in the James Squire design style and includes several funky bars and dining spaces.