March has seen the launch of the Global Bartender Exchange an online network that connects international bartending communities. The project is the brain child of Fraser Campbell – an expat Scottish bartender – and Hannah Keirl who are both working at Melbourne’s The Alchemist.
News
The latest bar and bartender news.
James Packer (chairman of Crown), Shane Warne and Joe Hachem recently launched Melbourne’s ultra-exclusive night spot – Club 23. The opulent venue is set to set the standard for high-end tippling and with stunning panoramic views to boot it will be hard to top this venue when it comes offering a touch of luxury.
Maz Salt, Director of Melbourne’s Office of Public Works (behind Section 8, Baba and Southpaw) has unveiled plans for a new cocktail bar that should be serving up well-chilled drinks by the time this magazine arrives in your lap.
Ferdydurke, as the venue will be named, is located directly next to Section 8 on Tattersalls lane in Chinatown. At present Salt isn’t giving away a lot about his new venture though he is letting us know it will be an artistic driven venue
Perth is continuing to hot up with El Publico set to be up and running by the time this issue is doing the rounds. The new contemporary style Mexican venue is a collaboration from Paul Aron (ex-Greehouse), Michael Ford (ex-Der Raum & Catina 663) and Alex Cuccovia (ex-Cantina 663) and will look to bring a fun, up-tempo
Dave Beatty recently took on the role as National Brand Ambassador for Ketel One vodka, his appointment announced during Ketel One Global Ambassador Justin Smyth’s (pictured above left with Beatty) recent Australian visit.
Smyth was impressed by the local industry, stating: “Australia’s bartending scene is inspiring, on-trend and with a local spin.
Match Bar (Bar of the Year Australian Bar Awards 2011) has closed its doors after a three year tenure. “We would like to thank you all for your patronage and friendship for the last three years,” said bar manager Russ McFadden, and the Match team, when confirming the news recently.
It was a bit early to get the name – there were a few floating around – and ideas for the menu were not yet nailed down, although ‘south of the boarder’ down Central America way was the idea. “Creole, gumbo and an open Taco station with hand pressed Tortillas,” Mills suggested. Despite these miner details the duo seemed relaxed about the proposition of another bustling Bondi venue to manage.
Keystone’s new direction is set to get a nice splash of sun in the near future with John Duncan and Paul Schulte (pictured r-l) confirming that the Sugarmill will soon launch its much anticipated rooftop bar. “We’re looking to have it open in July,”
Bonnie Shearston and Tom Sanceau, two of the masterminds behind the Australian Bar Awards’ New Bar of the Year, Canvas, have unveiled plans for their latest Brisbane venture called Public. If all has gone to plan the venue should be trading as you read this article with construction underway early in January 2012.
It’s back! And Appleton Estate Rum will be taking its annual Tiki Mug Design competition to the next level in 2012. This year’s incarnation will see the Tiki mug designed by Tiki Farm but based on the story behind the bartender who creates the best Australian Appleton Estate Tiki Cocktail.
“After a decade of being the Australia’s leading bar trade event we saw an opportunity to expand trade only format and incorporate a host of consumer focused activities to help educate todays enthusiastic consumers who are keen to learn more about premium drinks.” David Spanton – Managing Director Spanton Media Group.
Global icon Harry’s New York Bar (Paris) recently celebrated its 100th birthday – a fine notch for a venue that’s lived through two World Wars, seen countless local developments and hosted some of last century’s most famous faces.
The story began in 1911 when US jockey Tod Sloan acquired it and with the help of his friend Clancey, a Manhattan bar owner, and set about creating a unique American bar in Paris. The duo embarked on a mad-house scheme to dismantle Clancey’s NY bar and rebuild it the French capital. Clancey, it is said, was determined to escape the draconian restrictions that were being forced upon the alcohol industry in the US, and so the pair made good their dream and relocated some 5,800km away.