The Diageo World Class has named the top 5 best bartenders in Australia
Say goodbye to disappointment when you fork out on an expensive cocktail that’s more on the average scale because Diageo World Class has revealed the finalists for best bartenders in Australia, and we’ve sussed out where they work (you’re welcome).
We have already uncovered the best bars in Australia and of course the best hidden bars in Australia, so it is only logical that we dive into the ones that make a good bar great – the bartenders.
The five finalists have mixed their way into the big leagues, scoring a spot in the final five before the Global Finals are held in Sydney to crown the best of the best.
The Diageo World Class event is a week-long celebration spotlighting the best of Australia’s hospitality scene, with the best bartender winners being decided via a rigorous three-challenge process where only the most skilled of bartenders will make it out alive.
So, Australia, here are your finalists (and where they work) ready to battle it out for top spot.
Samuel Cocks – Bar Rogue, WA
Samuel Cocks serves up cocktails and all sorts from Bar Rogue in Mount Lawley.
Hailed as a local gem in Perth, the intimate little wine bar puts on one hell of a wine list accompanied by plenty of classic cocktails and boutique tipples with a small menu of snackable eats.
- Location: 2/515 Beaufort St, Highgate WA 6003
- Hours: Thur-Sat 4-11pm, Sun 2-10pm
- Website: barrogue.com.au
Sarah Proietti – Maybe Sammy, NSW
Sarah Proietti is a prolific bartender making her home at Maybe Sammy in The Rocks precinct.
It’s fondly known by locals and visitors as one of the best spots to hit up for a stellar cocktail, which is no surprise with bartenders like Sarah shaking them up. The unique flair and skillset of workers here is one that’s hard to come by, and creations like a Eucalyptus gimlet and a chamomile martini bring that extra wow factor to cocktail hunters.
- Location: 115 Harrington St, The Rocks NSW 2000
- Hours: Wed-Thur 4:30pm – 12am, Fri-Sat 4:30-1am
- Website: maybesammy.com
Eduardo Conde – No 92 GPR, NSW
No.92 GPR in Sydney’s Glebe is a refined eatery and bar known for its luxurious experience and exciting drinks menu, and a place one of Australia’s best bartenders Eduardo Conde calls home.
The spot is most well known for its natural-focused wine list, which includes the finest domestic and international options.
- Location: 92 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
- Hours: Wed-Thur 5:30 – 10:30pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-4pm
- Website: no92gpr.com.au
Nick Tesar – Bar Liberty, VIC
You can hunt down Nick Tesar in Melbourne’s vibrant Fitzroy area at Bar Liberty.
The much-loved bar is a triple threat when it comes to wine, cocktails and food, using their laidback approach to dinner and drinks to bring a menu of absolute treats.
With a variety of wines and cocktails that take it to a whole new level, it’s no surprise they’ve popped out one of the finalists this year.
- Location: 234 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Hours: Mon-Sat 5 – 11:30pm, Sun 12-5:30pm
- Website: barliberty.com
Kayla Saito – Black Pearl, VIC
The Black Pearl has seen its fair share of amazing talent over its twenty years, and Kayla Saito is another on their long list.
The dimly-lit atmosphere is an experience in itself, taken up a few notches by a menu of quality drinks and cocktails that pack a punch like a Watermelon Margarita or their weekly creative concoctions.
- Location: 304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Hours: Wed-Thur 5pm – 1am, Fri-Sun 5pm – 3am
- Website: blackpearlbar.com.au
The winner will be announced on July 6 and will then go on to represent Australia on the global stage in Sydney.
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