Leah Dunnigan named Best Bartender at ALIA 2025

Leah Dunnigan, the Bar Manager at Savile Row in Brisbane was named the Best Bartender of 2025 at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards, held in Sydney last night (Wednesday, 5 November).

Leah was clearly surprised to win the award, ahead of Jenna Hemsworth and Jay Cozma who were both highly commended.

“It feels pretty insane to have just won Best Bartender, and thankfully validating,” she after collecting her award.

“Imposter syndrome affects the best of us, so to win this just feels really nice. I hope my daughter will like this award.”

Leah has previously taken part in Bars & Cocktails’ ‘Chat at the bar with…’ series. Speaking in that chat, she explained what inspired her to become a bartender.

“Well, I became quite isolated after I lost my dad, I worked all the time (retail) and studied but didn’t do much else, I was very socially anxious at that time of my life,” she said.

“I remember going to my local bar and just watching how much fun the bartenders were having with each other, they were almost like performers. I remember thinking I wanted a job where I could have that much fun and come more out of my shell.

“In terms of wanting to become a career bartender, I saw a challenge of pushing myself to learn as much as I could and be able to educate others – whisky was what really captivated me that way.”

Congratulations to Leah on the win and all of last night’s bar winners.