Bars in the time of coronavirus
If COVID never happened, those 20-something bartenders (like myself), would probably still be either on the floor, bar backing, or on the bar once or twice a week. We would likely still be mentored with a very close eye on all our skills.
“The Scholars themselves are a likeminded group drawn from all levels of hospitality: those new to the game, those moving up through the ranks, and those in the new guard of hospitality gamechangers.”
Australian Cocktail Month was developed to champion the Australian cocktail industry and support bars and bartenders as they welcomed guests back into their venues following Covid-19 closures and restrictions of 2020. As the challenges of a global pandemic stretched on and on, plans were developed for the second iteration of Australian Cocktail Month.
“I feel people in VIC have come to accept these lockdowns aren’t going away any time soon, so instead of dwelling, have been trying to get into routines that just incorporate it as a part of daily life.” – Nick Cozens
“We were all feeling optimistic that things were taking a turn in the right direction, until it was taken away, almost overnight. Where did this leave us? Still pretty confident to start, most venues had the infrastructure from the last lockdown to offer delivery and takeaway services, and personally, I thought this time round it would be easier.”
Personally, I struggle to stay still so lockdown sucks for me. But what I’ve tried to focus on is keeping myself active and engaged with my friends and colleagues.
Those of you who have long wanted to pick the brains of London’s most highly acclaimed bartending duo need look no further, as over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing Alex and Monica’s in-depth guide on how to build a successful brand.
Local Manly operator Matt Clifton says: “Market Lane Live is our way of showing support to those hardest hit, by invigorating our streets and inviting visitors back to Manly to enjoy what we have all missed; good food, local tipples, and some great local music”.
The IDEA LAB reveals all the shortlist finalists and their creative ideas! All 20 shortlisted applicants from the IDEA LAB are waiting for your vote of support! These ideas are nothing short of brilliant, we encourage you to vote for your favourite person, bar team or venue to help see their dream become a reality (by March 2021).
Apply now to unlock a share of the $11.5 million dollars put aside for Bundaberg Rum’s Raising the Bar program. The devastating impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality sector has been widespread and ‘Raising the Bar’ will directly support jobs, recovery, and innovation in the Australian hospitality industry.
From midnight tonight, Melbourne’s hospitality industry – including cafes, bars and restaurants – are allowed to reopen with indoor seating of up to 20, outdoor up to 50, as long as they have good recordkeeping and Covid-safe plans in place.
“I spoke with Alex Day, one of the partners in the Death & Co. brand and someone whom I deeply respect. As someone who has worked at the very highest levels of the bar industry over the last decade and prides himself (and his bars) on providing curated experiences to his guests, he too has seen the need to reconfigure the way he does business through a new lens.” Naren Young