The first-ever Melbourne Cocktail Festival (MCF) kicks off tomorrow and as bartenders from all over the world descend on the city, a giant MCF mural has been painted on a city rooftop to celebrate.
The Festival runs from Wednesday 26 February to 1 March and is a multi-event celebration of Melbourne’s dynamic and thriving cocktail scene.
The event is attracting bartenders from all over the world, including Ago Perrone, of London’s prestigious The Connaught Bar, who told Bars and Clubs he was really looking forward to being a part of MCF.
“All of our approach and expertise is built on the idea of sharing cultures, connections and feelings,” Perrone said.
“Therefore, platforms such as the inaugural Melbourne Cocktail Festival are truly meaningful initiatives for us as well as great sources of inspiration. We are lucky to work in an industry which is very supportive thanks to the nature of our profession which is all about giving and sharing: flavours, experiences and knowledge.
“We are really looking forward to taking part in the Melbourne Cocktail Festival to bring our passion and hospitality approach to Australia and to be immersed in the local bar scene.”
The rooftop mural is a wonderfully Melbourne way to mark the occasion – it is over 100m long and depicts a bartender Martini glass. The work, by celebrated artist Kitt Bennett, took 70 hours over seven days using around 100 litres of paint.
The MCF was established by a young team of hospitality professionals from industry hub Worksmith, and CEO Michael Bascetta said Bennett’s mural was a great way to celebrate the festival and Melbourne’s cocktail scene.
“Kitt’s artwork really speaks to the city and I particularly like how this one is hidden from view,” he said.
“Some of Melbourne’s best bars are hidden down laneways or found in neighbourhoods outside of the city centre with little-to-no signage. Somehow it’s the discovery that makes them even more exciting – same with Kitt’s work. What better way to celebrate the underground bar scene than with a rooftop artwork?”
The MCF will incorporate a number of panel discussions, masterclasses and tasting opportunities all designed around celebrating Melbourne as a global destination for drinks innovation.
Tickets are still available on the Melbourne Cocktail Festival website.
