Simon McGoram

Editor of Australian Bartender Magazine. Bartending since 2001, Simon won NZ Bartender magazine Bartender of the Year in ‘06. Contributing editor for a year in NZ, he moved to Sydney where he worked at the Bayswater Brasserie. Now settled into office life, Simon finds that the immature sheep jokes are wearing thin.

Tokonoma Sochu Bar and Lounge

Tokonoma Sochu Bar and Lounge is the much-anticipated third venture from the team behind the neighbouring Toko restaurant. The popularity of Toko and the ensuing demand for space has been huge, increasing exponentially over the last couple of years.

WEBWATCH: Dwink.com

Dwink.com is a London based drinks site that has been launched by Tom Sandham, ex-editor of CLASS magazine in the UK.

Shure Super 55: Modern Muscle in a Vintage Body

Once in a great while, a product transcends its basic function and becomes an icon – a cultural artifact. Most fade away as they are eclipsed by new technology or changing tastes, but some make such an indelible mark that their appeal never wanes. The Shure model 55SH Series II Unidyne Microphone is one such icon; it’s the professional audio industry’s answer to the ’65 Ford Mustang or a pair of Levi’s 501 blue jeans.

24 Moons

Opened in October, 24 Moons occupies the old site of the Alley Bar and is a collaboration between four respected and very experienced industry folk: Marcus Motteram, Simon Digby, Boris Von Rechenberg, and Michael Christadoulou (Mr Delicious, Mr Music, Mr Creative and Mr Hospitality respectively). Normally we would list all their relative experience but you’ll have to wait for January’s Bar Profile for that; rest assure that 24 Moons is a meeting of the minds between some serious bar nerds.

The Old Cuban

Audrey Saunders’ classy take on the Mojito

Bootleg Bar & Italian Food, Sydney

This busy little bar and eatery is nestled away from bustling bright lights on the Kings Cross side of Victoria Street. Owned and operated by first timers Rob Gal and Elliot Krass they describe the interior as being like and old pair of jeans.

Entries for the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup Close Tomorrow

Last call for all bartender extraordinaires! 42 Below is on the hunt for the nation’s brightest bar stars to fly the Aussie flag and compete in the sixth annual 42 Below Cocktail World Cup, set to shake up New Zealand in March 2010.