Australian Bartender magazine

17/12/2024

From comp winners to Perth bar operators and, of course, Bar Awards finalists, these are the stories you clicked on the most this year.

It's time to wrap up all the posting and news sharing for 2024 as we all take a little break before a big new era of Australian Bartender magazine and Sydney Bar Week kicks off in 2025, with new owners, Yaffa at the helm.So, let's sign off on another epic year; we look back at the 10 most-read stori...

09/12/2024

Whether guests are stopping in for a pre-dinner aperitif, catching up with friends over a seasonal meal, or making Bellamy their final stop for the night, the bar invites everyone to pull up a stool and relax in good company. It’s the kind of place that feels like a home away from home.

And a lot of that comes down to the warmth of their host and co-owner, Dani Whiteheart. She recently took out the award for Host of the Year, proudly sponsored by The Blend, at this year's Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards. We chatted with her about Melbourne, bars and how to be a great host.

A lot of the warmth and hospitality at Bar Bellamy comes down to the warmth of their host and co-owner, Dani Whiteheart. She recently took out the award for Host of the Year at this year's Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards. We chatted with her about Melbourne, bars and how to be a great host.

09/12/2024

Blade Deegan, Anthony Burke and George Cartwright are the team behind the drinks featured here. Deegan says: “We have reinterpreted a lot of classic drinks from the 80’s and 90’s, whilst trying to keep them feeling disco.”

Blade Deegan, Anthony Burke and George Cartwright are the team behind the drinks featured here. Deegan says: "We have reinterpreted a lot of classic drinks from the 80’s and 90’s, whilst trying to keep them feeling disco.”

02/12/2024

"I love the community [in Perth]. Since we’re smaller than other cities in Australia, we have a real “everyone knows everyone” vibe. We run a lot of fun events, and people always turn up to support each other—whether it’s competitions like the Bin Chicken Championships or Youngbloods, picnics in the park, training sessions, or even the occasional Beyblade Tournament. We have a lot of fun here!" - Jac Landmark

2024 has been a massive year for Jac Landmark. She won the Rookie of the Year (proudly sponsored by The Blend) award at the Bartender Magazine Bar Awards and took out the top spot in The Perfect Blend Cocktail Comp. What a journey! We sat down with Jac to chat about their epic year, their new role,....

02/12/2024

“[Yaffa Media] produce market-leading business-to-business media, and it is a perfect fit for them to expand their footprint into the hospitality and drinks sector. Amy and I are thrilled that Yaffa has decided to take on the business and use their vast resources to carry on what has been my passion for 25 years.” – David Spanton, Founder Spanton Media Group

Yaffa Media, one of Australia’s largest independent media companies whose portfolio includes AdNews, Food & Drink Business and Ragtrader, has acquired Spanton Media Group and all its assets, including industry-leading title Australian Bartender magazine and the Sydney Bar Week events.

25/11/2024

“I always Reach for Reàl when I make my Piña Coladas, and I’ll use their products instead of others because it’s consistent, easy to use but also flavoursome – it’s a win-win-win.”

Following the Reàl ‘Discover a World of Flavour’ event at Sydney Bar Week, Jenna Hemsworth and Jacob Cohen sat down with Ian Burell, World Rum Ambassador, to chatall things flavour, Reàl, and the future of the rum category.

25/11/2024

It’s our final edition of the year #284 featuring Ian Burrell on the Cover for Reàl
Infused Syrups. He chats with industry legends Jenna Hemsworth and Jacob Cohen.

This issue is so jam-packed it should keep you going over the summer break.

Check out:

🍸 thanks to and hits Perth
🍸 .landmrk jac.landmrk the Rookie of the Year and now behind the stick
🍸 .whitehart from .bellamy on what great service means
🍸 The Vermouth Cocktail with .rax_ from
🍸
🍸 talks vermouth

And so much more… hitting bars this week!

19/11/2024

If you’ve wandered past 195 Brisbane Street recently, you’ve probably noticed the flashy new digs where the old Harvison Gallery used to be. Once a quiet, empty block, it’s now been transformed into something that stands out—a cheeky, retro-styled bar with gold-foiled pin-up girls and hand-painted signs boasting “Cold Drinks, Warm Service, and Hot Bartenders.” Yep, that’s Bar Love, the latest and most exciting addition to the neighbourhood between Northbridge and Highgate.

A cheeky, retro-styled bar with gold-foiled pin-up girls and hand-painted signs boasting “Cold Drinks, Warm Service, and Hot Bartenders.” Yep, that’s Bar Love, the latest and most exciting addition to the neighbourhood between Northbridge and Highgate.

14/11/2024

Get your entry in now for your chance to win the Australian competition and head to Bologna in 2025. The challenge? Test their creativity and envision the world of cocktails 140 years from now.

Vero Bartender Competition 2025 Entries are now open! The Australian winner will head to Bologna for a trip of a lifetime. Get your entry in now.

06/11/2024

“My goal is to preserve the rich history of The Vanguard while making it an even more inclusive, vibrant space where artists and audiences can connect,” says new owner, Beau Neilson. “With a lush new look, upgraded sound and lighting systems, and excellent food and drink, we’re ready to embrace the next generation of performers, experimenters, and lovers of music, art, and expression.”

However, the spirit of The Vanguard refused to be extinguished, and now, under the ownership and management of Beau Neilson, the venue is back with a fresh sense of purpose and excitement.

30/10/2024

“Bar Tilda is all about enjoying a relaxed, luxury drinking experience,” says Jason Williams. “We’ve put together a vibrant mix of local drinks to show off what makes them special. Whether you’re just passing through Sydney or you’re a local looking to switch it up, the bar offers a lively spot to unwind and enjoy the best of what’s pouring in our backyard.”

House Made Hospitality (the folks behind Lana and Apollonia, among others) are responsible for a new four-venue precinct within the hotel.

29/10/2024

Sydney just got a whole lot spicier with the launch of Dan Dan, a new Asian-inspired bar and restaurant that’s shaking things up with a modern twist on the classics.

Dan Dan is the brainchild of the duo behind Sydney CBD’s beloved sandwich and cocktail bar Tiny’s, bringing their signature quirky charm and culinary flair to Pyrmont.

22/10/2024

Bartender Magazine Edition #283 is hitting bars and mailboxes right now!

With two covers it’s twice the fun! Check out the full wrap up of with all the Bar Awards Winners and socials snaps in one place.

Check out our interview with our brand new Bartender of the Year from .lounge

There’s also other great stuff with a deep dive into vermouth di torino with

There’s lots of new bars in this issue as well as a full profile of .sydney and .sydney

20/10/2024

The Blend crowns Richard Liu and Sanjeev Sharma winners of the House of Suntory DOJO ‘HAKUtini’ Competition.

Now off to represent Australia at the DOJO Global Forum in Japan, joining DOJO guests from a range of cities, Richard and Sanjeev will attend a series of exclusive seminars and masterclasses, as well as experience Japanese bar culture and Suntory’s Yamazaki & Hakushu distilleries.

17/10/2024

The Glendronach is set to captivate a new generation of discerning whisky fans with the introduction of an innovative new bottle design and creative direction. Honouring almost 200 years of sherry cask matured whisky expertise.

14/10/2024

Rohan Masssie the 2020 AGCC winner spoke highly of the competition, saying, “The Angostura cocktail comp is one of the most hotly contested cocktail competitions in the world because of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that it offers. Unlike some other competitions that are all about social media hype, this isn’t an Instagram comp. It’s not about who can post the most or promote the brand best. It’s about you as a bartender, the drinks you create, and whether you’ve got what it takes to truly represent the brand.”

The winner of the ANZ regional final will receive AUD/NZD $5,000 and be flown to Trinidad on an all expenses paid trip in May 2025 to compete against some of the world’s best bartenders in the global finals.

13/10/2024

The dust has settled on another Australian Bartender Magazine Bar Awards. We have sifted through hundreds of photos and have put together a gallery of some of our favourite shots which you can find right here!

11/10/2024

Sydney Bar Week is all about bringing the Australian Bar industry together for a week of parties, educationals and fun. It’s about celebrating all the hard work that goes into running all the amazing bars and licensed venues around the country. Once again, what makes the events really hum, is that fact that so many of you close your bars and head to Sydney and it’s what makes the week a truly national affair.

So thanks to everyone who showed up, to the sponsors who made the events possible and to everyone who opened the doors to their bars to host an event. What a week!

For the team behind Sydney Bar Week, David & Amy Spanton, this marks their final year as hosts of the event and they couldn’t be more proud of how it all unfolded. Here’s to seeing what happens in 2024… But for now, here is a selection of some of our favourite photos from the events.

For the team behind Sydney Bar Week, David & Amy Spanton, this marks their final year as hosts of the event and they couldn’t be more proud of how it all unfolded. Here’s to seeing what happens in 2024… But for now, here is a selection of some of our favourite photos from the events.