A brand new era of passionate bartenders is rising into cocktail competitions and bars close to you. In our February version of Bartender journal, Cara Devine interviewed 5 of those personalities.
Story by Cara Devine. Cara is our Melbourne-based drinks author. She is the supervisor of Bomba in Melbourne and the face and expertise behind the cocktailing YouTube channel Behind the Bar. You possibly can e mail her at behindthebarchannel@gmail.com
From globally recognised cocktail bars to cosy neighbourhood pubs, afternoon wine bar snacks to 2am seafood feasts, Australia prides ourselves on our hospitality scene. As all of us nicely know, this trade is all in regards to the folks. After a shaky 12 months or two of workers shortages publish Covid it has been thrilling to see a brand new era of passionate bartenders emerge into cocktail competitions and bars close to you. Even higher, they’re shaking off the stereotypes of bartending and doing issues their very own manner. Right here I chat with Wunna Coleman-Goddard.
Coleman-Goddard was drawn to bartending due to the chance to find out about totally different cultures and the world by way of drinks. Final 12 months, he competed within the Campari Afterlife nationwide finals and made a foraged gin with Applewood.
What do you see as alternatives for progress?
Going locations, assembly folks and sharing tales. We gained’t get wherever having secrets and techniques on this trade. Share every part and ask folks how they do issues. In 5 years, I’d like to personal a venue. Excessive-concept cocktails specializing in waste and native Australian botanicals are my focus in the meanwhile.
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“We gained’t get wherever having secrets and techniques on this trade. Share every part and ask folks how they do issues.” – Wunna Coleman-Goddard
What do you see as areas for enchancment inside the trade?
Take your workers on journeys. They don’t need to be large or costly. For instance, stroll them to a close-by tree you possibly can forage from and get them to make a drink with it. This can change their scope endlessly and have a kick-on impact once they inform their buddies about it. A few of the finest studying I’ve carried out was outdoors the venue.
Development predictions for 2024?
Funky coasters and non-traditional glassware for modern drinks.
