The Diageo World Class event is a week-long celebration spotlighting the best of Australia’s hospitality scene. Taking place from 9-18 September, The Rocks and surrounding areas including Surry Hills, Bondi and Sydney’s CBD will come to life as some of the nation’s best bars and restaurants curate the most unique and immersive food and drink experiences. You can expect exciting pop-up events and collaborations, the latest cocktail trends and live entertainment all shining a light on Australia’s diverse bar scene and top bartenders from around the world.

Without any further ado, here are the top bartenders in Australia that will be battling it out and where they work.

Best Bartender in Australia 2022 – Winner

Nestled in the vibrant, trendy streets of Melbourne’s Fitzroy, you’ll find Bar Liberty. Currently called home to Nick Tesar, the recently announced ‘Best Bartender in Australia’ who will go on to the world finals in September, the bar is all about a laid-back, simple, fuss-free approach to wine-ing and dining. You can expect a wine list with a perfect balance of fresh, biodynamic or low-intervention wines as well as classics. Their cocktails are anything but classic, including The Happy Fucking Valentines which uses Lillet Rose, strawberry, chocolate mint and sparkling wine- delicious!

Samuel Cocks is a stellar bartender from WA. He serves up cocktails and all sorts at Bar Rogue, a small, intimate wine bar located in Mount Lawley. The bar boasts an extensive wine list packed with local gems as well as plenty of classic cocktails, aperitifs and boutique tipples also on offer.

One of NSW’s entries, Sarah Proietti is a prolific and vibrant bartender heralding from Maybe Sammy, located in Sydney’s historic The Rocks precinct. Fondly known by Sydney siders and visitors alike as one of the best places to go for a quality cocktail, it’s no surprise the bartenders that work here have a unique flair and skillset that’s hard to come by. Cocktails include Eucalyptus gimlet and a chamomile martini, just to name a few!

Next up we have Eduardo Conde, who calls No.92 GPR in Sydney’s Glebe his home. This refined eatery and wine bar is both a memorable, luxurious culinary experience as well as a dive into the finest drops. They are most well known for their natural-focused wine list, which includes the finest domestic and international options.

You can find stellar bartender Kayla Saito at Black Pearl in Melbourne. The bar has been a Fitzroy institution for almost twenty years, fostering some of the most amazing talents to come out of the Australian bar scene. Focusing solely on the drinks side of things, you can expect nothing less from the quality of cocktails, the thoughtfully selected wine list and only the best spirits.