“The main rule is to watch the door at all times and make sure every single person is greeted, and also every single person once they leave they say goodbye and thanks.”
This one is a new Sydney restaurant, tequila and mezcal bar and taqueria that launched in the heart of the CBD in October. It’s from the team behind Paddington’s Tequila Mockingbird, and most recently, pop-up venue Tequila on York.
“The last build I did from scratch was Penny Young Beer Hall in Moonee Ponds. It was here I realised I had had enough of making rich people richer and wanted to try my hand at being my own boss.”
“People solicit and compete for awards and do what they can to get noticed and people get nasty about winners and complain a lot.” – Simon Ford, 86 Spirits Company & former Chair of Tales Awards
“We are positive that come September 2021 the industry will be well overdue for the country’s biggest annual trade event. I can’t wait to get back to Bar Week and reconnect with all our industry friends from around the country after the hell of 2020!” – David Spanton, Sydney Bar Week founder
“The difficulty in spiced rum is doubled, the regulations surrounding its production just don’t exist. Should it be called a liqueur? A spirit? Just another rum? It’s hard to pin down.”
For this month’s photoshoot we headed to Old Mate’s Place in Sydney’s Clarence Street. With Dre Walters and Dan Noble leading the charge this is a joint that is serious about its cocktailing. This drink features their house-made labour of love the Pea & Pear Shrub. Noble says: “The drink is a light, effervescent delight. The perfect cocktail for the spritz lover in all of us.”
In September, Gurdys restaurant and bar in Newtown quietly reopened following a major menu overhaul and refurbishment. The Newtown favourite has expanded its sustainable ethos and team, introducing a completely new food offering centred around minimal-waste cooking and a completely plant-based menu.
Naga, a four-year passion project, is the latest venue from Brisbane couple Andrew and Jaimee Baturo who own Libertine and are co-founders of The Gresham Bar, Walter’s Steakhouse and Popolo Italian Kitchen & Bar.
The Kings Cross Distillery pot-still is affectionately known as “Miss Pottsy” and is located in the heart of the new vibrant venue, proudly on display. The location at Macleay Street, juxtaposed to the famous Kings Cross dandelion-flower inspired fountain, was at once a 1960s speakeasy and illegal gambling den.
“I think if I could drink with anyone it would be Ryan Reynolds mostly because he started in hospitality and I would be interested to know if he is different because of his time working in restaurants.” – Bruno Luke Ali, Nick & Nora’s Parramatta
Jigger & Pony Singapore were big winners on the night taking out Bar Team Asia and Bar of the Year Asia. This is hot on the heels of winning the Best bar in Asia in the World’s 50 Best Bars.