Advertise on podcast: Drinks Chat

Grab a cold one and pull up a chair for a relaxed, unfiltered chat on Drinks Chat we're joined by Ben from Crafternoons to dive deep into the good stuff: proper craft beer, the eternal pursuit of the ultimate steak sandwich, and what it actually means to navigate the digital world as an "anti-influencer." We also dive into what's next for Ben. Follow us on Spotify https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

Nic Lee from Sculpture Hospitality joins Drinks Chat to break down the real numbers behind running a profitable bar. After years spent working across venues, managing operations, and eventually moving into hospitality consulting, Nic has seen every side of the industry. He shares how that journey shaped his approach to inventory intelligence, waste reduction, and smarter ordering—and the data‑driven strategies that help venues boost margins and stay ahead in a tough market. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

What does it take to go from pouring drinks on the front line to steering one of Perth's most iconic nightlife institutions? In this episode, we sit down with Trevor Candido, owner-operator of Universal Bar. Join us as Trevor shares his raw, unfiltered journey through the trenches of the hospitality industry. We dive deep into what it really takes to navigate shifting regulatory landscapes, sustain a legacy venue, and step up as a passionate advocate for Perth’s vibrant bar scene. Whether you're an industry insider, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just love a great story of resilience and adaptability, this conversation is packed with invaluable insights. Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

From pulling beers in the family pub to shaping Scarborough’s beachfront hospitality scene, Ben Randall has earned his stripes the long way. In this episode we trace the path that took him from working in his family business at The Paddington Alehouse into launching Sand Bar in August 2013 — and keeping it relevant through shifting trends, tighter trading conditions, and a constantly evolving coastal crowd to launching The Brighton Wine Bar earlier this year. Honest, grounded, and straight from the source — this is hospitality without the filter. Follow us https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

In this episode, we sit down with Pete Firth of Froth Brewery to explore the journey behind the brand—where creativity meets craft. From brewing bold beers to building a lifestyle-driven identity, Pete shares insights, challenges, and the moments that shaped Froth’s rise across 3 venues in WA & 1 more to come. Follow us on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

In this episode of Drink Chat, we sit down with Bradley Woods, CEO of the Australian Hotels Association, to talk pubs, people, pressure points, and the future of Aussie hospitality. A candid, straight‑from‑the‑bar chat about leadership and keeping the industry strong.  Bradley shares insights from the front line of Australia’s pub and hotel industry – from staffing pressures and rising costs to regulation, advocacy, and the future of the local. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

In this episode, we’re joined by Lee Behan and Niall Tolan, the co‑owners behind one of Perth’s most beloved Irish pubs — Molly’s. From their journey bringing a true Irish heartbeat to the CBD, to the stories behind the bar, the chaos, the community, and the craic that keeps the place buzzing — we dive into it all. Whether you’re a regular at Molly’s or you’ve only heard the legends, this chat serves up the laughs, the lessons, and the passion that fuels one of the city’s most newest iconic pubs. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

In this episode of Drinks Chat, we sit down with Global Brand Ambassador Nick Baxter, the quietly brilliant force behind Archie Rose’s presence in Australian Distilling. Nick shares his journey from curious spirits lover to becoming one of the most trusted voices representing Archie Rose, Australia’s most awarded distillery. We dive into what drew him to the brand in the first place, the people who shaped his path, and how working with a distillery so focused on innovation continues to push him professionally and personally. From championing Archie Rose’s boundary‑pushing whisky program to building genuine relationships across the industry, Nick talks candidly about what it means to represent a brand he truly believes in — and the pride he takes in helping grow the Australian spirits category from the ground up. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

This week on Drinks Chat, we catch up with Ross Drennan and Drew Flanagan, the visionary duo behind some of Perth’s most iconic venues, including The Old Synagogue, Stories and The Beaufort.They chat big ideas, bold builds, and what it takes to shape Perth’s hospitality scene from the ground up. Grab a drink and dive into a fast-paced convo with two of the city’s most ambitious operators. Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/drinkschat

In this episode of Drinks Chat, we’re joined by Pippa Dowden and Murray Walsh, the passionate duo behind Bar Love. From building one of WA’s most loved hospitality brands to creating a venue that put people, culture, and great drinks at the centre, this is a conversation about community, creativity, and doing things differently. We dive into their journey in the bar world, the challenges of hospitality, what makes a truly great venue, and the ethos behind Bar Love’s welcoming, feel‑good approach. Whether you’re in the industry or just love a great bar experience, this chat is packed with insights, stories, and plenty of heart. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/ Follow Bar Love on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/barlovebar/

On this episode of Drinks Chat, we welcome Jamie Burnett and Chris Masten, the dynamic duo behind Top Up Wines.  Top Up revolutionises Western Australian wine by running the first-ever people’s choice wine awards, giving consumers a direct voice in selecting the state’s best drops via a public vote. In our conversation, Jamie and Chris reveal: ·     How Top Up empowers wine lovers to choose the Top 100 WA wines each year, with over 20,000 votes and 1,600+ entries in the inaugural run.  ·     The origins of Top Up—born from Jamie’s idea with wine veteran Scott Spalding and AFL premiership player-turned-wine-enthusiast Chris Masten.  ·     Their motivations: celebrating WA’s diverse wine styles and regions, breaking downelitism, and ensuring even non-experts have a seat at the table.  ·     Highlights from the Awards: WA’s favourite styles—Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir—and how the format celebrated all nine regions of the state.  Whether you're a seasoned wine collector or newly exploring WA wine, this episode offers an insider’s insight into disrupting a traditional industry with a refreshing, inclusive, and fun approach 🍷. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

In this episode of Drinks Chat, we sit down with Ruben Storm from Liquor Barons Morley to uncover the passion behind his store and the community he’s built. From rare spirits and boutique wines to the trends shaping WA’s drinking culture, Ruben shares insider tips and stories that every drinks enthusiast will love. Whether you’re chasing something unique or just want to know what’s hot right now, this conversation is packed with local knowledge and personality. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

Andrew Dawson, the mind behind Yeah Wine — a label that’s rewriting the rules and pouring personality into every bottle. We talk hustle, heritage, and how Yeah Wine is making wine feel fresh again — no fluff, just real talk. If you love wine, stories, and a bit of rebellion in your glass, this one’s for you. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

Neilo & Jose from Copper & Oak Liquor Merchants join us to share the story behind their award winning independent family owned liquor stores. From wine and artisanal spirits to craft beer and rare finds, they talk about building a trusted brand, curating a diverse selection, and what it takes to keep customers coming back to their stores. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Saldaneri, the passionate force behind Bolt Coffee, to explore what it really takes to run a thriving specialty coffee business. From early morning brews to managing a dynamic team and keeping the community caffeinated, Katie shares the behind-the-scenes of daily operations, the challenges of staying consistent, and the joy of building something meaningful—one cup at a time. Whether you're a coffee lover, a small business owner, or just curious about what fuels a local café, this conversation offers a grounded and inspiring look at the rhythm of life at Bolt. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drinkschat/