Hospitality Legends on Where They Head After Their Shift

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Hospitality workers are the backbone of our cities' night-time economies. After serving us behind the bar or recommending the chef's special that'll have you coming back for more, hospitality workers also keep the city open and thriving post-shift. From the quiet corners to the go-to bars and late-night venues that look after the people who look after everyone else, we tapped a couple of hospitality legends on the shoulder to learn where they head once the kitchen closes.

After all, the night-time economy is a significant part of the Australian lifestyle. The Visa Vibe Economy report, commissioned by Visa and conducted by McCrindle, explores spending habits related to Australia's night-time economy, 32 percent of Australians consider going out "extremely" or "very important" to their lifestyle. It also found that nearly half of Australians go out after dark at least once a week, on average.

Here's where the industry insiders in your city are heading.

Grana, Jiwon Kim

Alex Wong, Executive Chef at Hinchcliff House, Sydney: Lana, Grana, Apollonia, Bar Mammoni, Grana Privato

CP: What do you love about the hospitality industry? 

Alex: I love this industry for the people and the lifestyle. I love being busy, being able to express myself through food, and working alongside like-minded people — there's a real sense of camaraderie and adrenaline that comes with it. You meet so many different people from all walks of life. It's given me confidence, taught me how to stand up for myself, and to grab every opportunity that comes my way.

CP: Where do you head after a long shift?

Alex: After a long shift or a big Saturday night, I love heading to Mamas on Pitt Street for some soju and supper — their fishcake soup hits perfectly in winter with a few bottles of soju. Super Bowl is another great late-night spot; their Hong Kong–style curry fish balls, noodles, and BBQ meats really slap. If there's time (and energy), a sneaky karaoke session after never hurts.

CP: What's your favourite thing about your city after dark?

Alex: I've always been a night owl. I love the calm that comes with night — and the little bit of chaos, too. Sydney after dark has so much to offer: great bars for a drink or nightcap, incredible restaurants and wine bars, or just soaking up the city lights. The Friday night Chinatown markets are a classic foodie stop, and walking across the Harbour Bridge at night never gets old.

Baptist Street, Alana Dimou

Mahbub Hasan, CBD Precinct Bars Leader for House Made Hospitality, Sydney

CP: What do you love about the hospitality industry? 

Mahbub: The chance to create moments that actually mean something to people. It's noticing small details, picking up on what someone needs without them having to ask, and making them feel looked after. I love that a bit of genuine care can turn a random interaction into a memory. There's something special about watching someone walk in tired and stressed from their day, and leave softer, lighter, and happier. That little shift, that connection, is the reason I keep showing up.

CP: Where do you head after a long shift?

Mahbub: After a late shift in the city, I love decompressing somewhere with soul. Often, that means making my way to Baptist Street Rec. Club in Redfern — great energy, familiar faces, and the perfect spot to shake off work mode. If I'm in the mood for a proper vibe shift, Disco Pantera hits the spot. It has music loud enough to reset your brain and cocktails good enough to make you forget how tired you are.

When I want to stay closer to home, I keep it local. Sometimes it's The Vic on the Park, nothing fancy, just comfort and that Inner West feeling. Other nights I'll drift down Enmore Road. And there are nights where I just want to be home-adjacent, so I'll end up in Newtown. Bar Planet for a martini, or Silvers Motel for something slower. Those places remind me that there's a world outside of work. Real people, real community.

CP: What's your favourite thing about your city after dark?

Mahbub: Sydney at night feels like a different city. No suits, chaos drops away, and everything slows down. You start to notice things, little conversations, laughter spilling out of small bars, chefs and bartenders having their first breath of freedom outside the venue. It feels like a secret world that only exists after everyone else goes home, a world for the night people, hospitality people, and wanderers.

The Gresham, Millie Tang

Jaeden Ogston, Bartender, The Gresham, Brisbane

CP: What do you love about the hospitality industry?

Jaeden: I love hearing people's stories and enjoy the little moments of sonder. Hospitality, and especially working at The Gresham, allows me to meet and engage with such a diverse range of people that I would otherwise never meet. Whether they're regulars or just passing through, it's something really special to be able to connect and create memorable moments for people.

CP: Where do you head after a long shift?

Jaeden: Straight to Frogs Hollow. It's an authentic Country Saloon Bar that does good times perfectly. It's somewhere I know I can go to see familiar faces, and round out a long day with a 'hell yeah'. The bartenders provide some of the best hospitality in Brisbane and are among the most beautiful people I know. Frogs Hollow also has a rad bourbon selection and Brisbane's best XXXX Gold on tap.

Other than that, it'd be Savile Row in Fortitude Valley (just look for the orange door). It's an awesome London-esque speakeasy-style bar that has a back-bar for days. It's cosy yet uptempo, and once again, the staff are not only legends of their trade but also wonderful people themselves. Whilst you're on that side of town, also check out Barry Parade Public House, which just celebrated its first anniversary. The owner, Dan, used to be my boss at The Gresham, and he's taken his love of vintage spirits, classic cocktails and soul food, and he and co-owner Brennan have made it into a beautiful, neighbourhood bar.

Frogs Hollow

CP: What's your favourite thing about your city after dark?

Jaeden: Brisbane, in the grand scheme of things, is still a small city. What's beautiful about this is that if I ever just feel like going out and exploring and seeing where the night takes me, I know I'll bump into a familiar face on either side of the bar. Also, you can walk to almost everything... and whatever vibe you're looking for, whether it's a dive, speakeasy, jazz club or brewery, it's right at your fingertips.

Dear Saint Eloise

Frankie Stanley, Events and Marketing Manager at The London Hotel, Sydney

CP: What do you love about the hospitality industry? 

Frankie: I love that hospitality is all about people! Meeting people, connecting with them, and being part of their day or night. It's fast, unpredictable and addictive in the best way. Unlike many office jobs, you might be running up 48 flights of stairs on a random Monday, but there is nothing more satisfying than the energy when a room is full of happy people and everything is running smoothly.

CP: Where do you head after a long shift?

Frankie: After a long shift, I love going to Potts Point or Darlinghurst to their many small wine bars. There's so much love in what they offer, and the vibes are always on point. Caravin and Dear Saint Eloise, both in Potts Point and The Waratah in Darlinghurst, are favourites! Gorgeous food, sexy drinks, and incredible staff.

CP: What's your favourite thing about your city after dark?

Frankie: I love Sydney after dark, especially as we move into summer. Longer days, warm nights, and everyone wanting to be out and about. With more councils approving outdoor seating, the city finally feels like it's leaning into that European, sit-out-and-soak-it-in vibe. The London just got its parklet approved after nine months and it has completely lifted the vibe. It's brought so much life to the street. I hope we see more of this across Sydney to keep nightlife thriving.

Emma Sheahan, Front of House Manager, Lumen People, Melbourne

CP: What do you love about the hospitality industry? 

Emma: Having guests sit at my table and connecting with them. I love meeting so many interesting people and working side by side with them.

CP: Where do you head after a long shift?

Emma: Brico or Lulie Tavern. Brico's food and wine are exceptional. What brings me back time and time again is their hospitality. I always walk in and feel immediate relief. I'm home. I'm cared for, no matter who I bring or why I'm there, they'll take care of us. Lulie is the champion of Melbourne music and community. It's been a huge part of my social life. Engagements, special birthdays, celebrations and sad times: Lulie always has a seat for you! The burgers are also really good.

Jake Roden

CP: What's your favourite thing about your city after dark?

Emma: Melbourne's live music. I love living in a city big enough to support so many incredibly talented artists.

Discover the vibe near you.

Lead image credit: Bar Planet