“Hospitality has given me so much and I just wanted to do an event where I could give a little back to our community and do something really positive for the industry,” says Ben Tua, organiser of Barchella following the announcement of Monday’s winners
“I’ve spoken with several small bar owners, who have told me that they’re seriously considering keeping the reduced capacity and increase in patrons being seated moving forward.” – Erica Richards from The Exchange talks about the positive changes some venues have seen in 2020.
“The best ambassadors can either hide a sales pitch very well or they genuinely care about their industry and our friends within it.” John Davidson from Stuart Alexander talks about his passion for hospo and a better industry on the flipside of 2020.
“Across the world we have seen many ways in which Brand Ambassadors have been able to maintain relevance and connectivity through the digital space.” – Tristram Lilburne-Fini from Campari Australia talks about being an ambassador in 2020.
“I miss holding events at bars and learning new things from well-known international guests like Ian Burrell at Beneath Driver Lane in Melbourne, sharing well-crafted rum cocktails at Lobo in Sydney, or hosting fun parties at Rude Boy in Hobart.” Sai Hamsala, Diplomatico Rum
“I’ve recently come on as Venue Manager of Stitch Bar, and I’ve big boots to fill. This place has seen some successful long-term managers, and I’ve a long way to go before I can hold a candle to them.” We hear from Ross Appleby from Stitch Bar in his new role as venue manager.
“I think we will see a permanent shift to contactless experiences including lower venue capacities, heightened cleanliness across all venues and an importance placed on contact tracing,” says Jose Cuervo’s Hayley Dixon when asked about the changes in the hospo industry in a post-COVID world.
We checked in with some of the country’s favourite rum specialists and here are five of their cocktail highlights.
“I hope that we can grow to appreciate what we often took for granted, whether it’s the country we live in, our health or simply being able to catch up in a bar with good friends,” says Garth Foster from Belvedere Vodka
Trish Brew, Fever Tree Brand Ambassador, hopes that she can sit in a bar one day again soon and enjoy a gin and tonic!
The house grog (a proprietorial blend of unaged rum, aged rum, a dark Jamaican style rum and an overproof rum) is the key to emulating the classic tiki drinks of yesteryear such as the Mai Tai says Jacoby’s owner, Pasan Wijesena.
Hobart’s Macq01 Bar Manager, Emma Azon-Jacometti, has her say about how the the Tasmanian bubble has taken to the #supportlocal movement with gusto