Diageo’s awards winning training program Alchemy has recently taken on new trainers across Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. The newest additions to the Alchemy team have been identified as emerging talent in their cities; and mark the appointment of Alchemy’s first female trainer. Meet the recruits:

Lia Purdie- 1st female Alchemy Trainer:

We first met Lia years ago when she was honing her trade in influential bars such as the Victoria Room, Industrie South of France and Wildfire’s famous Ember bar. Lia joins us fresh after spending two years behind Trailor Happiness and the East Room two of the most influential and trendy bars in London.

With Trailor, the preeminent Tiki and rum bar on her CV it comes as no surprise that Lia has a penchant for rum. Expect to see her hanging out at our Zacapa tastings as well as find her hosting Alchemy sessions and heading up our event bars across Adelaide and South Australia.

Chris Hysted

In the past couple of years, Chris had made a name for himself as an outstanding bartender and key member of the award winning bar team at Melbourne’s iconic Black Pearl.

His 2008 win for his Garvey’s Dream Talisker cocktail as part of World Class’ 2008 Whisky Awards has given him international acclaim.

David Beatty

Dave has in the last 18 months been a name to watch in the Sydney scene. After first coming to prominence during the 2008 Smirnoff Black Copper Cup he’s taken first place at the Appleton Estate Tiki Comp and been a finalist in the Tanqueray no. TEN Awards and Ron Zacapa.

When he’s not training Alchemy sessions, you can find Dave behind the stick at The Beresford or Lotus.

William Oxenham

Oxy was part of the original crew at the Loft when it opened

He has also done stints at Hemmesphere and China Doll (whilst at the same time running his own cocktail catering company). He has bartended at Mahiki and the East Room in London, and for the Montpeliers Group in Edinburgh.

He was in charge of running things at Bayswater Brasserie and is currently leading the team at Rockpool Bar and Grill.