One of Germany’s top bartenders will take the reigns at The Waratah, Sydney, this Sunday, joining some of Australia’s finest bartending talent for an evening of folklore, fairytales and cutting-edge cocktails.
The exclusive event, headlined by René Karthauser, head bartender at Woods Bar in Cologne, Germany, will bring together the shared values of Woods Bar and The Waratah, which was recently named a finalist at the 2024 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) for Best New Bar.
René, who is a global top three Rookie Scholarship finalist, is internationally renowned for his creative mixology, which takes inspiration from Germany’s ancient forests.
The bartender has steered Woods Bar through numerous accolades including, most recently, a Mixology Bar Awards nomination for Best Bar Menu of the Year.
The Waratah Creative Lead Andie Bulley, whose peers’ votes have placed her on the shortlist for Best Bartender at the ALIAs, says she is extremely excited to welcome René to the bar.
“I’ve been following his work since last year after he was placed in top three for The Blends Rookie Scholarship, so I’m stoked to be able to try his drinks firsthand,” she told Bars and Clubs.
“His ethos and approach to bartending is very similar to my own, as well as The Waratah’s, I think this takeover will be an incredible blend of two great worlds.”
Both bars are keen to show their appreciation for nature and commitment to sustainability, with South Australian brand and 2024 ALIA finalist Feels Botanical getting on board for an evening of fresh and invigorating flavour experiences.
Feels Botanical crafts botanical Eau de Vie grape spirits, distilled with sustainably sourced obscure native Australian botanicals that impart unique characteristics.
The menu for the evening promises to showcase a passion for storytelling, blending old-world traditions with cutting-edge innovation.
The event is free to attend and will take place at The Waratah in Darlinghurst on Sunday 25 August, 6pm-10pm.
