With International Women’s Day fast approaching on Monday 8 March, we wanted to celebrate the standing, achievements and skills of the inspiring women within our group. Before we went into Perth lockdown 2.0, we asked five women from each of our five Sneakers & Jeans venues to tell us what it meant to be a woman in hospitality in 2021 and tasked them with translating this into a cocktail suited to each of their respective venues.
Alyssa, Ava, Chloe, Eliza and KD spent their time in lockdown curating five truly inspirational cocktails – each in some way showcasing ingredients synonymous with each venues’ signature specialty across the group; everyone’s favourite tequila joint Caballitos; The “GINcredible” Flour Factory; Japanese inspired cocktails at Goody Two’s; beautiful rooftop spritzes at Hadiqa and of course all the American whiskey business that occurs underground at Varnish on King.
“We’re pumped to celebrate this day once again at S&J” says Sneakers & Jeans CEO, Andy Freeman. “Women account for half the S&J workforce – working across the group from Executive level in HQ, Marketing, Events, Venue Management and our high energy bars, restaurants and kitchens. These women are all integral to our team, our culture, and our business successes and we’re happy to herald them on this significant day – all while raising money for the Zonta House Refuge Association once again, in what has already been a crazy year for our industry!”
Each of the below drinks will be pouring 8-13 March exclusively, with $2 from each drink sold once again going to support the inspiring work of the Zonta House Refuge Association.
This is our third year of crafting & empowering Cocktails with a Cause, and we reckon there’s never been a better excuse to sip cocktails while doing some good. We’ll cheers to that, Perth!
cocktails for a cause Peachy Keen - $21
Created by Caballitos bartender of 18 months, Alyssa Gillon.
The cocktail is made with Corazon Reposado tequila, peach shrub, jalapeno Infused maple syrup, angostura, whites
What makes it great being a woman in hospitality in 2021?
Being a female bartender has definitely been testing at times – both mentally and physically, and I’ve been challenged with negative stereotypes. Being surrounded by some wonderfully weird and passionate people, however, has diminished those negative experiences. I’m extremely lucky to work alongside people who encourage and empower each other – it’s pushed me to grow and take any opportunity thrown my way! I’ve worked hard to be in the position I am in but couldn’t have done it all without the support network I’ve found in my hospo family. It’s really exciting to see the number of women being celebrated in our industry – whether through awards recognition, promotional progression, or simply through sheer peer recognition for the killer job they’re doing. I can't wait to see what more this industry has to offer!
Alyssa Gillon Athena Highball – $17
Created by Hadiqa bartender of three years, Chloe Rigoll.
Named after the Greek Goddess of wisdom and war, Athena. The cocktail is made with Jinzu gin, Laphroaig whiskey, blood orange & eucalyptus Dilmah tea, Giffard peach syrup, lemon
What makes it great being a woman in hospitality in 2021?
I’m so lucky to work for a group that has so many strong and passionate women leading across the whole company. I came into the industry with zero knowledge and experience – and it’s the women around me who have shaped me into the person I am today… I’ve met so many unique people along the way! The hospitality industry is still very male-dominated, however I’m proud of what I’ve seen in the few years I’ve worked in the industry. A positive shift towards equality is not going unnoticed with more discussion and empowerment surrounding women in hospitality and I’m excited to see what the future holds for our industry. I love my role as bartender at Hadiqa and feel very fortunate to be surrounded with kind and respectful colleagues, especially having such an inspiring and empowering woman running the show – Hadiqa Venue Manager, Amie Forshaw!
Chloe Rigoll Soju Fancy A Beer? – $18
Created by The Flour Factory bartender of three years, Eliza Rouse. The cocktail is made with Yogurt Soju, suanmeitang tea & fresh plum syrup, with Pirate Life X Sneakers & Jeans collab limited edition kakadu plum & lemon myrtle pale ale.
What makes it great being a woman in hospitality in 2021?
As a woman in 2021 I’m grateful to know my womanhood and femininity is not bound by definition. Working in what has previously been a fairly male dominated industry, there’s great pride in seeing the accomplishments of girls celebrated alongside the guys. The opportunities I’ve encountered at S&J have instilled confidence in creativity, knowledge and individuality. In 2021 we have WOHO (Women in Hospitality) commencing; a non for profit targeted at mentoring women’s hospitality careers outside their respective hospitality venue/group. It’s awesome to see the plight of equality come so far recently – especially while so immersed in it. From outlandish flavour profiles to hilarious drink titles, I’m one of many proud women working within and being supported by this industry. Your drink order is not societies defining factor on your identity unless you choose it to be…Today beer can be just as fancy as a cosmopolitan!
Eliza Rouse Kamikawa Bloom – $19
Created by Goody Two’s Venue Manager, Ava Grandison. Named for the first transgender woman elected to political office in Japan, Aya Kamikawa. The cocktail is made with rye whiskey, creme de Violette, shiso umeshu, cherry blossom, lavender.
What makes it great being a woman in hospitality in 2021?
There's plenty of challenges for women in the industry and just as many obstacles for some other often excluded folks. We’ve had progress in recent years, but the Perth scene won’t be world class without more women in exec positions and ownership. That struggle makes for killer bartenders though and I’ve been served, taught and inspired by some rad ones. It’s thirsty work but it’s worth it.
Ava Grandison Crimson Blush – $19
Created by Varnish on King bartender, Caitlyn ‘KD’ Adams. The cocktail is made with Woodford Reserve whiskey, strawberry syrup, rose water, Peychauds, lemon, whites.
What makes it great being a woman in hospitality in 2021?
What’s great about being a woman in the hospitality industry in 2021 is the fact that it’s probably pretty similar to being a man in the hospitality industry – which is a good sign of the times. This doesn’t mean it’s always sunshine and rainbows, but it’s a very rewarding and gratifying part of my life. Being a female bartender in my early tweinties has been hugely advantageous as it’s helped shape me into the person I am – and navigate to the person I want to be. The volume of lady bosses across S&J has exposed me to some serious greatness and badass-ery (yup, it’s a word!)… Whether a lady boss literally or figuratively, they’ve inspired and influenced me in some way both in and out of work. As an up and comer in a typically male-dominated industry, I’m excited to challenge as much as I am challenged, to learn from the lady bosses both past and present – and to have a good ol’ time while I’m doing it.
Caitlyn ‘KD’ Adams A little more about Zonta House Refuge Association
For more than 37 years, Zonta House Refuge Association Inc. have supported women who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing family and domestic violence. Zonta House provides refuge and transitional accommodation, holistic support services and education to women over the age of 18.
