Barney Toy is hospo through and through.

We discuss his entry into the drinks world from back home in Sheffield, UK (Varsity Bar anyone, IYKYK), coming runner up (always the bridesmaid) in Bacardi Legacy 2015 and how that actually lead to some incredible opportunities, opening his own dream venue in NZ plus loads more.

If there's anyone that personifies the love of our industry alongside well made drinks it's Barney.

What a pleasure our chat was.

Sondra Beram aka Sondie is an icon of the North Bondi community. Operator of bRU Coffee for over 9 years this place has become, for many people, way more than just a place to get their morning caffeine fix.

Sondie has relinquished the keys of bRU which makes this the perfect time for a catch up.

Learn all about Sondie's campaign to ditch the single use cup and what drinks she'd world take to a desert island (spoiler, no coffee).

Jason Williams aka Widge is co-founder and beverage director at Housemade Hospitality, founder and face (literally) of Widges Gin and one of the loveliest men in our industry to boot.

We talk about how he got that eponymous nickname, discuss his time working in Singapore, dip our toes into the current gin scene plus much much more.

Jason is castaway with his 5 drinks to his very own desert island. Have a listen to see what he choose..

Cheers! 🏝️

Matt Whiley is a world leader when it comes to sustainability in food and drinks, he looks at things the way we all should, living life ahead of the curve. He does it all with his own distinct sense of style and flair, making a bar top out of milk bottles anyone?

With his former bars Peg + Patriot and Scout and his current project RE receiving plenty of awards along the way, Matt is highly respected globally for what he puts in a glass and is the perfect person to be our third castaway.

He comes up with a classically delicious set of choices. Sit back and enjoy episode two of Desert Island Drinks.

Cricket chat until 6:02 and then we kick into the hospo stuff.

Welcome to our first ever episode of Desert Island Drinks!!!!!

Live from the Ester Spirits Distillery (hence the distillery noise in the background) in Marrickville, Sydney, Australia with Felix and Corinna.

Felix is the distiller and mad scientist, Corinna is the artistic genius and creative lead. Together they're the pair behind one of the hottest Aussie distilleries around right now.

These guys have blown the Sydney spirits scene apart with their award winning Aussie gins and now award winning rum (Australian cane spirit- blah blah blah) and they have loads more to come!

These two eccentrically awesome people decide what drinks they would take to their (separate) desert islands.

Apologies on the sound quality. It will be better next week.

Cheers if you made it to the end,

Leon

Welcome to the brand new podcast: Desert Island Drinks.

Hosted by the founder of Gin Journey and all round cocktail and spirits lover, Leon Dalloway.

Picture this, you're cast away to a desert island. On this island you are granted a wish. You're allowed three alcoholic, plus one non-alcoholic beverage to drink while you're there.

What would you choose?

Tune in to discover what our regular hospitality industry guests will decide on in these fun yet compelling interviews.

Cheers!