Getting a start as a bartender can be pretty tricky. You need a high level of skill and knowledge in addition to superb customer service – all in a very competitive job market.

Bartending today is a much more specialized and serious profession than it was previously regarded. As such, there are now much higher expectations placed on new bartenders.

In this context, we had a look at the pros and cons of attending bartending school to get yourself job ready as a beginner bartender.

Statistics show that instances of sexual assault in bars, clubs and pubs are on the rise. In London alone, reports of assaults more than doubled in the last year. A conservative estimate poses that one in four women will experience some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. About half of these attacks involve alcohol consumption.

Alcohol is not the root cause of sexual violence. It is, however, often used as a scapegoat, with perpetrators of the violence arguing about consent or culpability due to alcohol consumption. The increase of sexual violence in alcohol-serving venues has made it imperative for these venues to take a stance against these deplorable crimes.

We had a look at some initiatives that alcohol-serving venues are putting in place to prevent sexual violence, making patronage of their venues safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Melbourne sure doesn't want to give up its title as the most liveable city in the world. Just over two months ago, a new whisky bar popped up on one of its beloved inner city streets – adding to the growing number of hospitality venues that have now surpassed the number of retailers!

The Elysian Whisky Bar may be small, but it boasts the most impressive, diverse and rare whisky collection of any bar in the country. We spoke to Kelvin Low, owner and operator, about running a specialist bar dedicated to the spirit he loves so much.  

We caught up with Sam Hambour, co-owner and brewer at Melbourne’s Hop Nation Brewing Co., to talk about what life is like surrounded by hops, yeast and grains – and what tips he has for aspiring brewers looking to dive into the craft beer industry!  

Beer – it's over 10,000 years old, deities have been worshipped in its name, it sustained generations when water was too riddled with bacteria to drink, and to this day it remains a global success. Throughout the centuries, humanity has followed one common thread – its love of beer!