In September 2010 I was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award at the 10th annual Australian Bar Awards. It was a very humbling experience to say the least as this award is given to one person every year who has made a marked difference and contribution to the Australian bar industry. I tried not to waffle on and I made what I thought was a fairly concise, heartfelt and poignant speech on the night. I would like to sincerely thank everyone along the way who has helped shape the person and bartender I am today. It was an amazing and surreal night, surrounded by great friends and mentors from around the world. Apparently there were even a few tears. Not from me of course.
This is what Bartender Magazine had to say in the lead up to the big night:
“Founding Bartender Magazine editor, Naren Young, is passionate about spreading the good word about bar culture to the bartending community and consumer both. Naren has proved to be an ambassador for the Australian bar industry around the globe. He has worked at a host of Sydney’s top venues including the famed Bayswater Brasserie, while he currently resides in New York. Most notably is that for the last 10 years Naren has been sharing his knowledge with the Australian bar industry by contributing to every issue of Bartender Magazine – 115 and counting! In short, few Australians have had as much impact on putting Australian bars and bartenders on the global cocktailian map”.
I dedicated this to my friend Gregor de Gruyther. I think of you every day brother!