The Ritual: I love starting downstairs at The European with a classic steak tartare washed down with a glass of Red Burgundy, before heading up to Melbourne Wine Room or climbing the stairs to Siglo.
The Atmosphere & Order: Siglo displays an energy at 1:00 AM that very few other bars in the world can replicate – sitting out on that terrace overlooking Parliament House with the city humming below. My go-to order is a classic, bone-dry Martini with a single Gordal olive- the exact ones we pour across our Seagrass venues. That is generally followed by a Negroni, and a cheeky,Islay single malt whisky-just because.
Bar Normandy at Restaurant Hubert (Sydney).
The Atmosphere: Tucked beneath Bligh Street, descending into Hubert feels like stepping straight into post-war Paris. While Bar Pincer buzzes on the right, I tend to head left to Bar Normandy. It stays open until late with a sultry, candlelit energy that completely shuts out the city above.
The Draw & Order: It nails the dual brief that every great beverage manager looks for: precision cocktail craft alongside an extraordinary,serious list of wines by the glass. I love propping up at the bar late with a dry, impeccably balanced classic cocktail, before exploring their brilliant, French-leaning glass pour list.
Dean Martin: For that legendary cheeky streak, effortless cool, and to hear firsthand about how he used his platform to actively push back against colour separation during the Rat Pack era. I’d gladly shout him a Rusty Nail, his favourite drink, to get the stories flowing.
Barack Obama: For his rare ability to swim against the political tide with calm, vision, and grace under intense pressure. And honestly? I reckon I could take him in a game of one-on-one on the basketball court.
