A short run through of my predictions proves that I really don’t know all that much about what’s going on in the Aussie bar industry. I obviously need to visit Melbourne, and Brisbane as well.
At least I got a couple right.
A full debrief of my experience will follow along shortly, but right now its all about the winners.
The 2009 Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards Winners
BARTENDER OF THE YEAR
1st place – Chris Hysted, The Black Pearl, Melbourne
2nd place – Sebastian Raeburn, 1806, Melbourne
3rd place – Jason Williams, Seamstress/SweatShop, Melbourne
Bar of the Year
Golden Monkey, Melbourne
New Bar of the Year
Match Bar & Grill, Melbourne
Bar Team of the Year
The Lark, Brisbane
Cocktail Bar of the Year
Seamstress/Sweatshop, Melbourne
Nightclub of the Year
Kit & Kaboodle, Sydney
Cocktail List of the Year
Der Raum, Melbourne
Hotel of the Year
Ivy, Sydney
New Hotel of the Year
Cloudland, Brisbane
Best New Venue Design
Ivy Pool Club/Changeroom, Sydney
Best Drinks Selection
Byblos, Brisbane
Bar Manager of the Year
Tim Wastell, Blue Diamond, Melbourne
Registered Club of the Year
Club Swans, Sydney
Bar Operator of the Year (Multiple Venues)
Vernon Chalker, Collins Quarter, Madame Brussels, Gin Palace, Melbourne
Bar Operator of the Year (Single Venue)
Natasha Conte, Black Pearl, Melbourne
Best Music Offering
The Toff, Melbourne
The Piano Room, Sydney
Best Bar Food
Seamstress/Sweatshop, Melbourne
Small Bar of the Year
Sticky, Sydney
Best Specialty Beer Venue
The Local Taphouse, Sydney
Wine Bar of the Year
Gazebo Wine Garden, Sydney
Outstanding Contribution
Sven Almenning
Training Program of the Year
Diageo’s Alchemy Program
Beam Global’s and CCA’s Mixxit
Brand Ambassador of the Year
Mick Formosa, Club Suntory
Everyday Drinking 