Hot talent - Sydney Bar Awards 2012

Dr Phil Gandevia, Eau de Vie

Professor of booze. Human encyclopaedia of arcane drinks. Gentleman bartender extraordinaire. Call him what you will, just call him when you get to the bar. Darlinghurst 2010. (02 9357 2470). Mon-Sat 6pm-1am; Sun 6pm-12 midnight.

Kyle Sewell, Gardel's Bar

He’s quiet, but don’t let that fool you. Sewell is a demon with a Boston shaker and cracks hunks of ice like nobody’s business. True story. Surry Hills 2010. (02 8399 1440). Mon–Sat 6pm-late.

 Ben McFarlane, Rockpool Bar and Grill

Time Out’s favourite Irish import and finalist at the Time Out Shakedown this year, McFarlane is currently rocking the tins at Rockpool Bar and Grill. Sydney 2000. (02 8078 1900). Lunch Mon-Fri 12.30-3pm; dinner Mon-Sat 6-11pm.

Alex Dowd and Jeremy Blackmore, Shady Pines Saloon

Alex Dowd: man-about-town and thief of young girl’s hearts. Jeremy Blackmore: the man behind the Mexicola. These two will be running Tio’s next year - touted to have the best tequila selection in the country. Hoo, wee. Darlinghurst 2010. Mon-Sun 4pm-12 midnight.

 Quynh Nguyen, White Hart

A gun bartender behind the bar at White Hart, Nguyen’s deft hand with a bottle of whisky and a jigger of bitters makes him a force to be reckoned with. Neutral Bay 2089. (02 8021 2115). Mon-Sat 5pm-late.