Newtown’s The Pleasure Club bartender Jake Down named among the best in the world

A Sydney bartender from a popular Newtown venue has been crowned as one of the best in the world.

Jake Down, at Pleasure Club, Newtown, has been named one of the world’s best bartenders. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

A Sydney bartender has been crowned as one of the best in the world.

Jake Down, from Newtown’s The Pleasure Club was named as one of the Top 8 bartenders in Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year for 2024.

Down, who in May was named Australian Bartender of the Year for 2024, has been competing in the finals in Shanghai. Over 45 countries entered this year’s competition.

He wowed the crowd and judges by making a cocktail with Australian native ingredients and served from a Billycan.

Bartender, Jake Down, competing at the Diageo World Class Bartender Finals in Shanghai

“World Class Global Finals is the pinnacle of my career. It’s a privilege to be able to compete in front of industry legends, and to meet the next generation of leaders in my field,” he said.

“At first it felt like a huge relief, that all my hard work paid off. Now I know that I’m standing on the shoulders of giants and my number one focus is making the Australian hospitality industry proud.”

Jake Down at The Pleasure Club, Newtown. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

James Thorpe, CEO Of Odd Culture who own The Pleasure Club, said he was “beyond proud” of Down.

“His drinks are top notch, of course, but he also brings such a special energy to service that really encapsulates what is special about the Australian bar community. We’re missing him at the bar this week, but are glad that the world stage is getting a taste of the myth that is Jake Down.”

Previous to his work at The Pleasure Club, Down has poured drinks at Scout London, Matt Whiley’s zero-waste bar Re and Maybe Sammy.

Originally published as Newtown’s The Pleasure Club bartender Jake Down named among the best in the world