By Sacha Delfosse
Brown-Forman has welcomed a well-known bar professional to its team as a brand ambassador, working across its entire portfolio for NSW.
Stuart Reeves has joined Brown-Forman with more than 12 years experience in the local and UK hospitality industry, including bartending at some of Sydney’s well-known venues such as Jimmy Liks, Summit Bar and Flying Fish, as well as the W Sydney Hotel, where he worked under the stewardship of people such as Grant Collins.
From there he moved on to managing venues such as the Peppermint Lounge, Café Sydney and more recently the Park Hyatt Sydney, during which time he earned various accolades including HM Magazine’s Bar Manager of the Year in 2008 and 2010.
In addition to his managerial duties, Reeves has continued to participate in numerous cocktails competitions while also sharing his passion and insights into bartending through regular contributions to trade magazines including bars&clubs, as well as through his online drinks blog.
“It’s a pretty big shift, and obviously it’s a lifestyle shift, but it is a logical shift to progress in the industry outside of just the hospitality focus. I have an opportunity to be involved with some fantastic brands, institutional brands and developing brands across the whole portfolio," Reeves explained.
“The role just ticks all the boxes for me and gives me a good opportunity to use my product knowledge and training knowledge to preach the good word of the brands not just to bars but to the public too. I’m looking forward to getting out there.”