Best of the Gold Coast 2017: Top 10 best bartenders
NOTHING beats a good bartender who can mix up delicious cocktails or lend a friendly ear. We asked who the best bartenders were on the Gold Coast and you answered. Here’s the top 10, as voted by you!
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NOTHING beats a good bartender who can mix up delicious cocktails or lend a friendly ear.
We asked who the best bartenders were on the Gold Coast and you answered.
Here’s the top 10, as voted by you!
FLASHBACK: 10 BEST BARTENDERS OF 2016
10. Ash Sommers
WHERE: Brooklyn Depot
LOCATION: 10 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise
Any barman worth his salt understands the banter is almost as important as the booze.
“You could be the best at making cocktails but if the banter is rubbish, what’s the point?” Ash says.
Not that he doesn’t have the cocktails covered too.
“I started off as a glassie in a little rum bar when I was 18 and was inspired by the bartenders and the awesome concoctions that were being whipped up. I was brand new to the bar scene at the time, so smoking cocktails and hand-chipping large ice rocks was like caveman discovering fire to me!”
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9. Liam Andrew
WHERE: Tonic on Chirn
LOCATION: 37 Musgrave Ave, Chirn Park
Meet Chirn Park’s very own globetrotting glass act.
“Whether I’m throwing a margarita around in the Kavos or shaking a Bloody Mary in San Francisco the liquid language doesn’t differ,” Liam says.
If we’re talking specialties, ask him to whip up a sweet Manhattan on Bakers.
8. Brittany Benton
WHERE: Mano’s Tedder Avenue
LOCATION: 2/19-21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Brittany got her break behind the bar through one of her father’s friends.
“To be honest I didn’t want to work in hospitality, but fell in love with the work after a few months and have never looked back. The most important thing about being a bartender to me is the customers … getting to know what people want and like and being able to make that happen is cool,” she says.
7. Adam Horner
WHERE: Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill
LOCATION: 2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
What started as a side gig while he studied to become a physio at university blossomed into a lifelong career for Adam Horner.
“I was about three-quarters through the degree when I realised that wasn’t my calling … I’d fallen in love with hospitality. I really enjoy making thousands of people a week happy and what better way to make people happy than to give them alcohol. Hospitality and bartending doesn’t necessarily have to be a temporary thing; it’s a passion and a career in itself.”
6. Julian John Batley-Glenn
WHERE: Not Tonight
LOCATION: Cnr Davenport and Nerang streets, Southport
Julian’s chef training manifests in some seriously sophisticated cocktails.
“My love for bartending comes from my love for food and interacting with the public,” he says. “Growing up working in kitchens with my father is definitely the reason why I’m not scared to jump in the kitchen to help make the perfect cocktail. Starting my chef’s apprenticeship at the early age of 16 made me realise I didn’t want to be stuck behind the scenes. Seeing a fresh face every day, meeting a new unique human and making lifelong friends are all thanks the bartending.”
5. Guy Dann
WHERE: Steampunk Surfers Paradise
LOCATION: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
The creative side of cocktails first lured Guy behind a bar.
“My favourite part of the job is the response from customers when you pass them a drink that wows them and knowing they’ve enjoyed something you’ve created. Being able to pass on skills, tricks and recipes to newer bartenders is a great feeling.”
While he’ll happily whip you up one of the classics, Guy says he thrives on being set a new challenge and experimenting with a drink until it’s just right.
4. Liam McDonald
WHERE: The Scottish Prince
LOCATION: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Liam has been loving the Palm Beach seachange after getting on board with The Scottish Prince. “We have an ever-expanding selection of whiskeys … 214 at last count. With so many amazing nuances to learn about and really expand my knowledge in the category, it’s been a great move to learn with such an amazing team. I would have to give a big shout out to my boy Gary V, who has taught me so much.”
3. Andy Trotter
WHERE: Central Lounge Bar & Dining
LOCATION: 8/27 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
Clocking up a decade in the industry ensures Andy has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
“I started at home in Liverpool and got into it because it suited my lifestyle at the time, allowing me to play rugby and football and still work. The best part about being a bartender is definitely the people you get to meet. Some of my closest friends are people I’ve met through work. I also love being able to make a night out something to remember for people.”
While this mix master is always happy to help, he has a hot tip on what not to do at a bar: “tell me you know the owner and expect something for free. Just be polite and know what you want … how you treat wait and bar staff says a lot about you as a person.”
2. Breeana Erica
WHERE: The Roosevelt Lounge
LOCATION: Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
A decade of experience behind a wide array of bars has made Bree an asset to every venue she works at.
“I’ve managed and help run everything from country pubs to fast-paced hotels in venues around the Gold Coast, but my passion is cocktails and misology. I pride myself on being not only inventive with new flavours, but providing a fun and interactive experience when it comes to my signature cocktails. I want my customers to be able to try something they’ve never had before or ever thought of ordering.”
1. Alastair Scanlon
WHERE: House of Brews
LOCATION: 17 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
He only moved to the Gold Coast last year, but Alastair has wasted no time in winning fans. “The best thing about the job is people being amazed at drinks you make them … both the flavours and presentations. A lot of hard work goes into these ideas, and seeing the smile it brings to people’s faces is really satisfying.” Alastair says the fast-paced profession is keeping him on his toes while he finishes his studies. “One minute you’re talking to the customer on the other side of the bar, the next you have 450 cocktails to make in the next five hours. The adrenaline from this line of work is incredible. I’m currently studying law and commerce, so who knows where the future will take me. For the meantime though, I love what I do.”
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