Olivia fell in love with running events while working as a florist. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Who are you?
Olivia Longley, I’m the event sales manager for Lala Hospitality, so I look after all the events, bookings and sales.
Tell me about Lala Hospitality Group.
We’re a group of five venues – Amici, 88mph, VICE, Highball and Molly – we do bar trade as well as restaurants, and we’re really just focused on creating a fun time for Canberrans.
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
I am a florist by trade, and I always loved doing weddings and events as a florist. So I worked as a wedding coordinator for a while, and then I saw this job advertised and I just went for it!
Did you have a dream job as a kid?
Floristry! I always wanted to be a florist ever since I was a kid. My Mum would find books on flower arranging for me. I studied it alongside events management, and I still do a bit of floristry on the side.
What is your philosophy when it comes to hospitality?
Clients come first, always. Also, ‘setting expectations’ is kind of my mantra! I want everyone to be on the same page, from the front-of-house staff to the chefs at back of house and the clients. When everyone’s on the same page, everyone has a good experience.
Amici hosts bottomless pasta nights. Photo: Amici Wine Bar & Deli.
Do you cook for yourself much at home?
All the time! Although when we do bottomless pasta nights here at Amici, I always have the leftovers the next day.
I bake a lot. I’m known for my sticky date pudding. The secret is boiling the dates beforehand rather than just sitting them in hot water.
What’s an underrated Canberra venue that you love?
I would say 88mph is our most underrated venue! It’s really fun down there; some people are thrown by how 80s it is, but I reckon we should see a younger crowd down there dancing on the lit-up dance floor.
I also frequent Lamsheds a lot; I love it there. If I have someone visiting Canberra, I take them there. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, but always such great food.
Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?
Our owner, Jess Arena, has kind of built up these venues from the ground up. She just goes for it. She’s fearless!
Where’s the best place for coffee in Canberra?
I love going to Redbrick. When a cafe serves Redbrick coffee beans, I know I’m in good hands.
Where’s the best place for a drink in Canberra (when you’re not at work!)
If I’m not at work, I really love Rizla, the riesling bar in Braddon. The vibe there is immaculate. It was actually one of the first spots where my partner and I went on a date, so we go there all the time now.
Andy Day of Rizla has a menu made up of around 70 per cent Riesling. Photo: Rizla.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
Barbra Streisand. I love her so much; she is my dream celebrity to meet! I’d be embarrassed to cook for her because she probably has celebrity chefs! So maybe I’d just cook her like a lamb roast or something simple, and I’d have to make my signature sticky date pudding.
What is your current food obsession?
Kimchi. I have kimchi on everything! My partner thinks it smells awful, but I love it. I’ll have it as a side with anything, like with some chicken and salad or whatever else I’m eating.
What’s the best thing you ate this week?
My coworker and I had pho from the Bistro Nguyen, which is just down the road from us. That was really good.
What’s a food that reminds you of your childhood?
I didn’t love it, but my Mum’s apricot chicken! I feel like everyone’s mum used to make that. It was a staple growing up.
What’s a normal breakfast for you?
Milo cereal with lactose-free milk
VICE is the newest restaurant in the Lala Hospitality Group. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
When you can’t be bothered to cook for yourself, where do you go and what do you eat?
GYG [Guzman Y Gomez] every time! I always get a burrito bowl with sautéed mushrooms and extra guac.
Where are you travelling next?
My partner and I did a camping trip up to Cape York, the northernmost point of the country, last year, and this year we’re planning a 4WD trip to WA to the westernmost point of Australia.
Tell me something you love about living in Canberra?
I love the ease; everything is so close and convenient. It gives that small-town energy, and everyone knows everyone. You can reach out and ask favours from people. The events industry is so nice here, and we all know each other. You wouldn’t get that in Sydney!
What TV show are you watching right now?
The Boys and Gen V. They’re from the same universe. It’s kind of a parody of superheroes, but it’s quite violent.
An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?
A latte with lactose-free milk.
Find out more about Lala Hospitality Group.
