The bartender

Pippa Canavan

Mechanics - (WA)

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A BARTENDER?

A burning desire to disappoint my conservative parents and the movie Coyote Ugly. It’s also a lot of fun! I love the chaos, the creativity and most of all the people that you meet working in the industry.

WHO’S YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE?

I would find it too hard to name one. My work persona is an amalgamation of everyone who I’ve ever worked with/met/followed who I thought was cool, fun and good at their job. I’m lucky to have so many good friends in the industry that have been amazing influences.

The hero cocktail

Pi-Nah Colad-Nah

A clarified, Brandy charged Pina Colada with a herbaceous touch. This cocktail is something interesting and complex, but also fun and smashable.

Ingredients

• St-Rémy Brandy

• Lime

• Fresh pineapple juice

• Coco Real

• Amaro Montenegro

Like this cocktail? The full recipe can be found in this year’s copy of the Top 25 Bartenders. Get your copy by clicking the button below.

The bar

Mechanic’s Institute

Up until very recently I was working at Mechanics Institute in Northbridge, which is one of the oldest small bars in Perth- it’s a bit of
a party bar full of ratbags and reprobates. Managing there felt a lot like herding cats, but it’s the best job I’ve ever had and I loved it. I’ve recently made the decision to branch out and open a place of my own with one of my best friends. Wish me luck!

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Thursday

4 pm – late

Friday
2 pm – 12 am

Saturday

12 pm – 12 am

Sunday,
3 pm – 12 am