News

The latest bar and bartender news.

McGoram on board for Bondi’s new Neighbourhood bar

Bondi locals will have one more reason to stay put with the opening of new bar and restaurant Neighbourhood, by a collective that features Eddie de Souza, Joshua Evans, Stuart Morrow, Anthony Hughes and Keith Hodgson, along with former Bartender drinks editor, Simon McGoram.

Red Bull brings iconic photographer’s work to small bars

One of the world’s pre-eminent music photographers, Ross Halfin, is bringing an exhibition of his work to the Australian bar scene. He became a “face” on the London music scene as a freelance photographer, in an era in British music when revolutionary bands such as The Clash, the Sex Pistols, The Specials and The Jam electrified the capital’s gig circuit.

Voting opens for the 2013 Most Influential List!

The Australian Bartender Most Influential List is back again for 2013. Held every two years, this is the original list of the who’s who of the Australian bar industry. Voting is open now until midnight June 30th. The Most Influential List is based on your votes – we want you to tell us who you think has most influenced the bar industry in your eyes.

Diageo & Behind Bars relationship over

Sources have told Australian Bartender that the long running relationship between spirits company Diageo and Sven Almenning’s training and consultancy business, Behind Bars, is ending in September. “Diageo Australia has decided will be moving ahead with a new on-premise agency this coming financial year and as such, will be ending its relationship with Behind Bars from 13 September 2013,” a Diageo spokesperson said.

Download our 150th issue now!

Our 150th issue is now live in the Australian Bartender app in the Apple App Store. You can check out all three trends from the last 150 issues, watch the How To video (we step through the Tommy’s Margarita), and look at how trends in bar food have changed from the days when the $5 steak was actually a meal. We visit Mexico again for part two of the agave spirit tour, as Dave explores the rustic, boozy charm of Oaxaca. You can check out the Workers in Balmain, all the latest bars, and loads more.

Kings Cross facing an uphill battle

Nearly tens months on since the tragic death of teenager Thomas Kelly in Kings Cross the precinct is still suffering through a drop in trade. Bartender has spoken with a number of owners — some off the record — who have said that trade is down significantly, as high as 60 per cent in some cases. “The four to six month mark immediately after the incident absolutely smashed the traffic coming through Kings Cross, due to all the negative publicity the precinct received,” said Ben Walsh, who’s bar, Goldfish, has had to curtail its business hours and service in the wake of recent legislation introduced to reduce violence in the Cross.

Tales of the Cocktail announce the Spirited Awards Top 10; Aussies among the finalists

Melbourne bars Black Pearl and EDV getting nominations, as well as Sydney bars The Roosevelt, and newcomer Bulletin Place both among the finalists. Sydneysiders Sven Almenning and Jason Crawley are nominated, as well as Nick Reed from Melbourne’s 1806 along with your very own Australian Bartender Magazine for Best Cocktail Writing (Publication).

Disaronno Mixing Star chosen at theloft

The Australian winner of the Disaronno Mixing Star comp has been revealed, with the title going to Nick Selvadurai from Melbourne’s Cookie. A glitzy event was held at theloft Wednesday night, hosted by actress Gracie Otto. On offer that night were three drinks selected by the judges that were put up for the People’s Choice Award part of the competition.