“I genuinely love good food and booze. I love the cultural and social histories tied up in it, the transportative effect it can have – and working in the industry, not only do I get to spread that love and those stories, but I can eat and drink like a baller on a budget.”
“We created a completely new fit-out that still pays respect to the history and people that frequented the café,” says Dave, referencing the many famous people that have been to Piccolo in the past, many of them now immortalised with a mugshot on the iconic photo wall.
We are locked in for 3-7 September 2022 with all the usual suspects returning, including the 21st year of the Bartender Magazine Bar Awards, the Indie Spirits Tasting, the Business of Bars Conference, as well as a slew of other events put on by our sponsors and bar partners.
If COVID never happened, those 20-something bartenders (like myself), would probably still be either on the floor, bar backing, or on the bar once or twice a week. We would likely still be mentored with a very close eye on all our skills.
If you’re wondering about the name, the venue is in honour to surgeon Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette (1857–1943), who is said to have first added lime cordial to the daily gin tot of the men in the Royal Navy, to help combat the ravages of scurvy on long voyages.
“My best advice would be don’t call in sick, because being reliable is one of the greatest qualities that someone could have. And have hobbies outside of work, focus on physical fitness because the late nights do catch up with you eventually. Don’t take yourself too seriously.”
The arrival of Pirate Life Perth has brought the biggest brewpub to the CBD, incorporating an in-house brewery, casual fine-dining restaurant TOMA and two private dining rooms, The Mezz and TANK – with the promise of more to come.
“People who inspire me are the ones who encourage inclusivity rather than cliques. Nick Miles and Samuel Russ are two people who will go out of their way to make sure they say hello to every person in the room and make sure they feel included.”
Music has a way of bringing people together and creating a space for collective joy. It can also be hugely polarizing and your venue’s choice of it can separate your guests in a way the cocktail list never will.
“Implement the “no bitching about work” at Staffies rule – coz toxic negativity can be a real downer on the workplace vibe. Staffies are for asking your workmates about their lives outside of work and venting about Sharons and Karens.”
Braci is a family-friendly neighbourhood venue concept developed by Toby Robinson and his long-time friend, Chris Carlei uniting Italian spuntini, handmade pizzas with a focus on great wine and weekly rotating cocktails.
It’s brought to you by the team behind Bar Lafayette which is on the ground floor of the same heritage listed WA Trustee Building. With that heritage listing comes oodles of old-world charm. A little bit like Mr W Churchill himself, one could say.