3 minute read
REGIONAL BAR OF THE YEAR: 18TH AMENDMENT
Photo Credit: Christopher Pearce/Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards
Advertisement
INSPIRED BY THE SPEAKEASY BARS IN PROHIBITION-ERA CHICAGO, INDUSTRY VETERAN GORGE CAMORRA CREATED THE 18TH AMENDMENT BAR, NAMED AFTER THE LAW THAT BANNED ALCOHOL AND GAVE BIRTH TO SECRET UNDERGROUND ESTABLISHMENTS. THIS SOPHISTICATED BAR IN GEELONG IS A TESTAMENT TO ALL THAT IS GOOD ABOUT THE 21ST AMENDMENT. HALLELUYAH. WORDS BY GORGE CAMORRA
YOU RECENTLY WON REGIONAL BAR OF THE YEAR, AT THE BARTENDER MAGAZINE AUSTRALIAN BAR AWARDS, WHAT DOES THIS RECOGNITION MEAN TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM?
This recognition means everything to us, being away from a capital city makes it hard to get our peers from the cities to visit us, so we feel we have to work extremely hard to be recognised. However, this has been standard for many years for regional venues, and we truly enjoy the challenge.
AS A VENUE MANAGER / OWNER – HOW DO YOU STAY CURRENT IN THE GROWING F&B SCENE?
lots of research to see what’s on-trend. Also, being a part of The Perfect Blend Cocktail Competition has kept us growing and raised awareness of who we are.
When we compete against Australia’s best bartenders, it inspires us to be better, and it is a fantastic source of knowledge we get from our competitors.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE F&B MARKET DEVELOP IN THE COMING YEARS? WHAT TRENDS CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE IN THE FUTURE?
The growing trend continues to be ‘quality over quantity’ so I believe our industry continues to have a really bright future.
Sustainability will continue to grow strongly as well as low ABV cocktails.
Our future will continue to be hosting guests in our venues who have more knowledge than ever before; therefore the days of using sub-standard products and having poor product knowledge are over if you want to be successful. Honestly, get to as many masterclasses as you can and learn, learn, learn, because we are in an exciting period.
SELECTING AND TRAINING STAFF IS SO CRUCIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF ANY BUSINESS. HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR RETRAINING YOUR STAFF ON PROCESSES, PRESENTATION AND NEW PROCEDURES?
We are constantly training our staff and myself because it’s fantastic having the knowledge and passing it on to others.
We have weekly spirit sessions at The 18th Amendment and host at least a couple of training sessions for bartenders in our city as we continue to raise the level of our industry in Geelong, it’s something I have been passionate about for many years.
FROM BARTENDER TO BAR MANAGER AND NOW VENUE OWNER, SHARE WITH US YOUR CAREER PROGRESSION AND HOW YOU GOT TO THIS POINT?
My story is a little different to others as I had absolutely no experience, completed a fourhour basic course on bartending and opened a nightclub with two friends that we’re also clueless. It was very hard but a ‘sink or swim’ moment. There have been a lot of ups and downs. As I prepare renovations for what will be my 5th venue, I am still nervous, and I have a little anxiety. However, I know that hard work, being humble, employing incredible staff and learning from my mistakes will all pay off in the end.
YOU RUN A VERY SUCCESSFUL VENUE, SHARE WITH US YOUR TIPS ON HOW TO RUN A THRIVING BAR?
Surround yourself with passionate and hard-working people. Accept negative feedback and admit any faults you have, work your ass off, keep learning always, and most importantly have fun, don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t be a dick.
THE 18TH AMENDMENT BAR
82A Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220 W: the18thamendmentbar.com.au
The 18th Amendment Bar Geelong The 18th Amendment Bar Geelong
The 18th Amendment Bar Geelong
Gorge Camorra - 2018 TPB Regional Finals
