Melbourne-based hospitality group, Dixon Hospitality, has announced its acquisition of three iconic Sydney venues from entrepreneur James Wirth’s Drink’n’Dine group. The acquisition includes The Oxford Tavern in Petersham, The Forresters in Surry Hills and The Norfolk in Redfern, bringing the total number of venues under Dixon Hospitality up to 28. The acquisition also sees the family owned company enter into the Sydney market for the first time. “We’re starting to get scale and ...

Coopers and its distribution business Premium Beverages have created what they’re calling “some of the best jobs in Australia”. These new roles will open up the opportunity for a lucky few to be ‘beer ambassadors’ for the company. As ambassadors, each will responsible for meeting with customers, consumers, hoteliers, restaurateurs and bar staff around Australia to share and talk all about beer. They will also be responsible for explaining Coopers’ brewing practices and ranges. ...

From February, Sydney’s famous The Island Bar will relocate, leaving behind its current location on the iconic Cockatoo Island. Owners Marco Faraone and Mike Edkins decided to make the move after experiencing difficulties with coming to an agreement with Sydney Harbour Federation Trust to renew their lease. The Island Bar has been home to Cockatoo Island for the past five summers and seen some 350,000 visitors pass through its doors during that ...

Estrella Damm, the number one beer brand in Barcelona, will now be distributed in Australia through Asahi Premium Beverages. Prior to 2016, Drinkworks had been the appointed distributor for the brewery’s flagship beer. Estrella Damm now joins APB’s premium beer portfolio, which includes Asahi Super Dry, Kingfisher Lager, Cricketers Arms and Mountain Goat, which also recently aquired by the company. “We are looking forward to driving success for Estrella Damm under the ...

The Christmas and New Year sense of adventure sees average spend skyrocket and consumers exploring more premium, and sometimes rare Champagnes. Is it the time of year that makes us lose our usual sensitivity to price? If that is the case, it’s nice to know you’re getting top quality when dipping into the ‘luxury compartment’ of the wallet. The three Champagnes below fit the bill when looking for something more ...

  Patrón has released a blend of its oldest and rarest tequilas in a handmade, limited edition Lalique crystal decanter. Only 500 of these decanters, named Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1, have been created in the world and just one will be available in Australia, valued at US$7,500. Inspired by Mexico’s indigenous Weber Blue Agave plant, the amber crystal bottle stopper has been shaped to represent the heart of the agave. ...

McWilliam’s and Casella Family Brands today announced the sale and purchase respectively of the Brand’s of Coonawarra winery and assets. The financial terms of the sale are commercial in confidence and include the purchase of the Brand’s winery, cellar door and brand IP. Commenting on the sale, McWilliam’s Wines CEO, Rob Blackwell said: “The sale of Brand’s was a very difficult decision to make but is consistent with our objective ...

The Australian Mens Water Polo team played host to Italy on Sydney Harbour this weekend, watched by 500 invited guests floating alongside on Starship Sydney, anchored in Campbell’s Cove. The International Cruise Ship Terminal, Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge provided the backdrop for drinks industry guests (principally Sydney on-trade) enjoying Champagne Taittinger and 42 Below Vodka, plenty of sunshine and the chance to ‘bump’ into some elite European ...

The Australian Liquor Stores Association today announced the winner of the inaugural Young Retailer of the Year, recognising exceptional young liquor retailers from across the country. The winner is Krystal Hall from Western Australia. “Krystal made an exceptional impression on the judging panel with her energetic and innovative approach to liquor retailing and demonstrated that she is a worthy winner'” commented the association today. Krystal will now be invited to ...

An IGA south of Sydney in Yarrawarrah has had its liquor licence suspended for 14 days after being caught selling alcohol to a minor. Police caught the liquor store selling a 17-year-old a pack of bourbon and cola back in June. A secondary supply incident was also recorded by police at the same store a few months later. As a result, the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) has ...