The Baxter Inn’s Stuart Morrow has left the iconic bar, left Sydney and made the move across to Adelaide, where Never Never Distilling Co have wasted no time in bringing him into their team.
As Never Never works on its new distillery door experience, which it is opening in conjunction with Chalk Hill Wines, the need was there for a Distillery Door General Manager and Morrow will step into that role.
As one of Australia’s most respected and awarded venue operators, it was a no-brainer for Never Never and Morrow said he is looking forward to seeing the rolling hills of McLaren Vale while he is working, a big change from the basement that is The Baxter Inn.
“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into life with Never Never,” Morrow said. “It’s been a brand I have always admired. Their attitude to championing juniper and utilising it in new and adventurous ways is something very close to my heart.
“It’s definitely a change of scenery. I’m still getting used to the rolling hills of McLaren Vale as a new workplace with all the fresh air and sunshine after years in a basement.”
During Morrow’s six years at The Baxter Inn, the bar won many awards and he was named Bar Manager of the Year at the 2018 Australian Liquor Industry Awards.
Never Never was understandably delighted to secure Morrow as the Distillery Door GM, as Brand Director Sean Baxter explains.
“Chewy is one of the legends of the Sydney hospitality scene. It’s a real privilege to welcome him to McLaren Vale and watch him create an amazing offering at our location on Chalk Hill.
“Chewy has worked all over the globe in some of the world’s best bars. He will bring all his experience and industry insight to running our distillery door experience in McLaren Vale and contributing to our brand more broadly.”
Never Never is hoping to open its distillery door this summer and Baxter said the plan is to offer a bar and tasting room alongside distillery tours and really give visitors the opportunity to sample all the flavours of the Never Never range.
“We are aiming to create a delicious cocktail offering, curated by some of the best bars and bartenders in the country,” says Baxter, “all this while over- looking one of the most picturesque landscapes in the Vale. It will be an experience like no other in South Australia.”
