ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: SARAH MYCOCK

SARAH MYCOCK WORKS AT PS40 IN SYDNEY’S CBD AND IS MAKING WAVES IN LOCAL BARTENDING CIRCLES FOR HER EXPERTISE AND ENTHUSIASM. SHE TALKS TO BARFLY ABOUT HER RECENT ACCOLADE AND WHY SHE LOVES WHAT SHE DOES.

FIRSTLY, CONGRATULATIONS ON TAKING OUT ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AT THE BARTENDER MAGAZINE, AUSTRALIAN BAR AWARDS. WHAT DOES THIS AWARD MEAN TO YOU?

Thank you! Honestly, it means so much. I’ve worked really hard this past year, and I’ve never felt so appreciated as I have now.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING FOR AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FIRST STEP BEHIND THE BAR?

I have been bartending since June last year. I have always wanted to work behind the bar as I could see how much fun it was, and I knew I wanted to be part of that.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN THE INDUSTRY?

Definitely Michael Chiem (MC). What he does everyday inspires me; the way his mind works creatively is something that I envy and admire. I’m very lucky I get to work with him every day. Also Dre Walters, he is proof that you can own a successful bar and still be a down to earth person.

YOU CURRENTLY WORK AT PS40, TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT BEING PART OF THIS TEAM.

I have learnt how to work well under pressure and not sink. I’ve learnt that there is no such thing as a stupid or bad idea. I’ve also learnt that getting along with your team in and outside of work is super important if you want to run as a cohesive unit.

FOR NOVICE BARTENDERS LOOKING TO TAKE THEIR TRADE TO THE NEXT LEVEL, AS YOU HAVE, WHAT TRAINING PROGRAMS OR RESOURCES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

Go to the trainings and masterclasses that brands put on. Read books, research classics, research the big names in the industry. Take it seriously! Do everything I didn’t do, and you will get there faster than I did. Haha.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY?

I love the family element to it. I love that almost everyone, especially around Clarence Street are all so tight. There’s no competition between the bars because we are all doing different things. I love how supportive we all are of each other.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT BEHIND THE BAR?

I have proud moments everyday. Whether it be making a drink for the first time or having a guest come back in just to see me. I think it’s so important to put pride in everything that you do. I’m also proud that I am so far from what I used to consider my ‘comfort zone’. It’s crazy to think of how I was when I first started in this industry - especially how much I have pushed myself in the last year. Also making a Tommy’s Margarita for Julio Bermejo was pretty cool.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT ON SHIFT TO DAT

Something that every single bartender has experienced. The exploding tin.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR SARAH MYCOCK?

Who knows! I’ve got a few exciting little things coming up in the future, but right now I’m happy just to be doing what I love doing.

PS40

You’ll find Sarah behind the stick at PS40 - a forward-thinking cocktail bar tucked away down a cobblestone alleyway in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Set in a beautiful warehouselike space that combines 5m high ceilings and huge open windows with the cosiness of a small bar. Launched in April 2016, the bar also started its bottling plant at the venue where they create their own hand-made PS Sodas. It is a collaborative creative space and a test ground for new and seasonal flavours. The sodas are also distributed to bars and restaurants around Sydney.

If you’re looking for an open and inviting place that serves up food and drinks with an emphasis on in-house and locally sourced produce, wander down Skittle Lane to PS40.

Enter via Skittle Lane, Shop 2, 40 King Street, Sydney NSW W: www.ps-soda.com

Opening Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 4pm-12am Friday-Saturday: 4pm-2am Sunday: 6pm-12am