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Melbourne's food and drink scene has been punching well above its weight for a long while – with everything from our pizzerias to coffee shops topping global charts. And now, there’s another reason to celebrate. Kayla Saito, Group Bar Manager at the Mulberry Group, has been named Australia's Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, taking out the country's most prestigious bartending competition and becoming the first woman ever to win the national title.
The 17th annual Diageo World Class competition saw eight of Australia's top bartenders go head-to-head at Maison Bâtard on June 29, tackling a series of high-pressure challenges designed to test their creativity, technical skill and speed behind the bar. Saito, who oversees beverage programs across the Mulberry Group's portfolio of Melbourne venues (including Hazel, Lilac Wine and Coupette Corner Bistro and Bar within the new Hannah St Hotel) impressed the judges throughout the day before sealing the title in the final speed-and-precision challenge, aptly named ‘Check On!’.
“I completely bombed in the speed round during my first two years competing in World Class,” Saito said after being named champion. “To return to a stage shared with the country's best bartenders, not only win that round but ultimately be crowned National Champion, is incredibly rewarding.”
Known for her inventive cocktails, sustainability-led approach and expertise in fermentation and low-ABV drinks, Saito has already built a reputation as one of Australia's most exciting drinks magicians – so this is another major milestone for the rising drinks-world superstar. She'll now represent Australia at the World Class Global Finals in Edinburgh this October.
Melbourne was doubly well represented in this year's finals, with Koby Harris of Three Horses also making the national top eight. Harris has become one of Australia's fastest-rising bartenders after honing his craft at acclaimed Sydney venues Maybe Sammy and Dean and Nancy on 22 before relocating to Melbourne.
The other finalists in Australia's Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year competition were:
- Eduardo Conde – No 92 GPR, Sydney
- Judith Zhu – Bistro Ebony, Sydney
- Jacob Frisch – The Gresham, Brisbane
- Lachlan Gunner – Trap, Adelaide
- Charles Chang – Moku and Linla, Sydney
- Rohan Massie – Rude Boy, Tasmania
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