We sat down with Rob (right) to chat about the Steampacket Hotel in Nelligen. Photo: Steampacket Hotel.
Who are you?
My name is Robert West, I’m the bar manager from the Steampacket Hotel.
Tell me about your role at the Steampacket Hotel
I do a lot of the ordering, rostering, locking up of a nighttime and running the general duties through the day. I get to choose what goes onto the taps, also we have changes to the cocktail menu every now and then and a lot of the staff get to choose and design different cocktails. We also get new spirits in, so people can try new things.
Is there a particular ingredient or drink you’re obsessed with right now?
My favourite thing at the moment, which people seem to like, is a lot of the new flavoured whiskeys and rums. So we get to try it and once it’s in, the customers try it and usually they love it. We’ve got Kraken Rum, we also have a habanero whiskey, and a salted caramel whiskey. People seem to love those sweet dessert shots.
How did you get involved in your industry?
I went to a job interview for a food and beverage manager at a South Coast resort and I ended up getting that job and I did that for nine and a half years. When I left there, the Steampacket opportunity came up and I took it.
The Steampacket is a popular joint down on the coast for good reason. Photo: Steampacket Hotel.
Are there any upcoming projects you’re working on?
At the moment, we are just gearing up for the busy season and getting some big orders in. I’m trying to get the staff to make some new cocktails and use their ideas and put their names on them. We also have our usual promotions from the suppliers.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
I’ve worked with lots of good people and I think I’ve taken a little bit from many of the people I’ve worked with in the 15 years I’ve been in the industry.
What’s your morning routine?
My morning routine can really start at any time of the day but it’s just getting to the hotel and seeing where we are at from the night before and restocking everything to get ready for a busy night ahead.
Where do you like to go out for a drink in the local area?
Well, we are the only pub in the area, so I’d have to say work.
The Steampacket brings cold drinks, pub food and live music, making for a perfect summer. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
When you can’t be bothered to cook for yourself, where do you go and what do you eat?
I’d have to say Kohli’s, an Indian restaurant down in Batemans Bay, that’s where I’d go.
Where are you travelling to next?
Japan. I love Asia. I’ve travelled all over Asia. I haven’t been to Japan yet, so that’s my next spot.
What are three words you would use to describe Nelligen?
Beautiful, welcoming and it’s a bit of a destination on the South Coast.
What’s your advice for someone starting in their career?
Work hard and be open to doing different hours. Don’t limit yourself just to mornings or nights or weekends. Be open to whatever hours are out there and you’ll get in. Most of all, have fun with it.
If someone had 24 hours to spend in your local area, where should they go and what should they do?
That isn’t long enough. There are a lot of nice beaches in this area and a lot of nice rivers and creeks and four-wheel driving. There are so many activities around here, so 24 hours definitely isn’t enough.
