A new generation of passionate bartenders is emerging into cocktail competitions and bars near you. In our February edition of Bartender magazine, Cara Devine interviewed five of these personalities.
Story by Cara Devine. Cara is our Melbourne-based drinks writer. She is the manager of Bomba in Melbourne and the face and talent behind the cocktailing YouTube channel Behind the Bar. You can email her at behindthebarchannel@gmail.com
From globally recognised cocktail bars to cosy neighbourhood pubs, afternoon wine bar snacks to 2am seafood feasts, Australia prides itself on its hospitality scene. As we all well know, this industry is all about the people. After a shaky year or two of staff shortages post Covid, it has been exciting to see a new generation of passionate bartenders emerge into cocktail competitions and bars near you. Even better, they are shaking off the stereotypes of bartending and doing things their own way. Here I chat with Trinity Bird.
Bird was a gymnastics coach for many years, and has translated that love for talking to people and caring for them into hospitality, where she enjoys giving people a unique experience every time they walk into a venue. “People, it’s all about the people for me. The ones I work with, learn from and serve, it’s what keeps me in the industry and it’s what I adore about it.”
What do you see as opportunities for growth?
As the newest bar supervisor at Beneath Driver Lane, I’ve got a massive journey ahead of me. My goal is absolutely to learn as much as possible from the people I surround myself with in the industry. Masterclasses and seminars will always be my favourite things about the industry; they are so important to the culture and the development of staff in any venue.
“People, it’s all about the people for me. The ones I work with, learn from and serve, it’s what keeps me in the industry and it’s what I adore about it.” Trinity Bird
What do you see as areas for improvement within the industry?
I believe training programs have the largest impact on up-and-coming bartenders. Constant learning is invaluable in this extremely fluid industry. I firmly believe that passion is at the forefront of a hire and, therefore, needs to be nurtured with the respective training from senior staff, brand ambassadors, and venue owners. No one is ever finished learning, and a lot of the time, people have more to teach than they are even aware of.
Trend predictions for 2024?
I want 2024 to be the year of Long Island iced tea variations; let’s start adding amaro and mezcal.