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Top industry bars around the world
By Owen BellwoodA city’s industry bar is the place bartenders can be found kicking back with a drink after work. SB asked five on-trade experts where they head post-shift.
Above Board in Melbourne features in our roundup of top industry bars
Many people enjoy an after-work drink, but for those working in the on-trade this can be difficult to arrange – as after work may not arrive until the early hours of the morning.
Late-licence bars frequented by bartenders are found in every city, and some are able to build their reputation as the centrepoint of the bartending community.
But what is it that distinguishes your average neighbourhood haunt from the industry bars in which bartenders are seen as regulars?
“The essential requirement for an industry bar for me is that it has to have the Cheers vibe,” said Lee Jones of UK-based bar operator Sandinista.
To find the watering holes the world’s bartenders turn to post-shift, SB spoke with a host of the industry’s brightest and best to see where they head to get their after-work drinks.
Click through our gallery to see a selection of the world’s top industry drinking dens.
El Camion, London
Megs Miller, general manager at Fam, said: “The first bar that pops into my head in London is definitely El Camion. It has for many years been the after-work place to go for London bartenders. When I started going there, Dick Bradsell was still behind the bar smashing out Espresso Martinis, Pink Chihuahuas, Brambles and shots of Altos. The service is ever-friendly, Margaritas are banging and it has cold beer and Tequila – the perfect after-work combo.”
Betty Ford, Barcelona
Moe Aljaff, co-founder of Two Schmucks, said: “We worked on building our bar for two months, everyday we did construction and everyday we used to go into Betty Ford. The bar has an easy-going neighbourhood vibe, with great people, a great selection of beers and spirits, and easy-going food. That was accompanied by great staff that follow up on the conversation you had yesterday, and so a bunch of industry people end up hanging out there, sometimes even for lock-ins.”
Wax Bar, Leeds
Lee Jones, business development manager for Sandinista, said: “Wax bar in Leeds ticks all the boxes. It’s got that neighbourhood bar feel to it that just makes me feel at ease. The staff are unpretentious and always attentive but in a casual way, which stops it becoming overbearing. The beer is always freezing cold, the Jameson free flowing and the tunes are on point. If the aim of a bar is to let you leave with a smile on your face and feeling like you’ve righted the world’s wrongs then Wax achieves that in droves. Also, they ask how my cat is, which goes a long way.”
Above Board, Melbourne
Brodie Meah, general manager at Top Cuvée, said: “In Melbourne I would say Above Board. It’s one of the best places for a cocktail in Australia, is open late and serves great drinks. Here in London Three Sheets is good for whatever mood you might be in after work, whether that’s have one beer and a quick moan to the bartender or knock back three Martinis with a load of mates.”
Piña, Sheffield
Jack Wakelin, general manager at Public, said: “Locally I would say Piña in Sheffield, the staff are incredibly passionate and knowledge on mezcal and the food is incredibly tasty – probably the best cheap eats in the city. Also P Franco in London, I love a chilled atmosphere, the people are incredibly passionate in what they are doing and they also have some delicious food too.”