This year will mark the 184th year of Oktoberfest, one of the largest and longest standing festivals in the world.

With the traditional festivities held in Munich and spin-off celebrations held in many other countries, it’s one of the most celebrated dates worldwide – and it’s all about the beer. Over 6 million people flocked to Munich in 2016, and those numbers are set to increase this year. Between them all, they drank over 7 million liters of beer. That’s a whole lotta pints!

Learn more about German beer in the Typsy online German Beer course here.

So, why do we celebrate Oktoberfest –- and how did it all start? Was beer always the most important part? And why on earth do we put on lederhosen to drink from huge pint glasses? We’ve got the fun facts about Oktoberfest right here.

We’ve all seen the movies and television shows based around the life of a chef – or set in a restaurant kitchen – where the main character’s demeanor is a little prickly. 

Whether they are barking out orders, hovering a little too closely to their staff, or bringing their personal lives to work, there are a few common traits that we see played out time and time again on the big and small screens.

Maybe you know those traits a little too well. Restaurant kitchens are high-stress environments, and those at the top of the ranks have the most pressure on their shoulders. 

If you’re dabbling with the idea of turning your cooking professional, have already started on your journey, or want an idea of the qualifications and skills required to make it in the top-level kitchen, this is the guide for you. 

Whether you’re just starting out behind the bar, managing an entire venue, or a server who wants to pick up a few tips and tricks, there is little doubt that French wine will be on your agenda regularly.

Most hospitality venues offer up a French wine or two (or twenty!) to customers, and often all that is listed on the wine menu is the name of the drop and its region.

Which is why we have put together a beginner’s guide to France’s regions, so you can learn the difference between wine from Bordeaux and Provence, wax lyrical about terroir, and describe the climate or location of specific wines and grapes.

So, now you know the basics when it comes to vodka – how it’s made, the different standard styles, and how much truth there is to that whole potato thing – it’s time to learn about the brands that you will come across working in the hospitality industry.

It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out as a bartender or you’re a keen vodka connoisseur – we’ve got you. Below are 12 of the most popular vodka brands favored around the world, from the more affordable options, to the high-level premium vodkas.