About a year ago we were at a portfolio tasting when we hear Josh’s name being yelled from across the room. The source of the yelling was an ol’ Aussie pal of ours* whom we hadn’t seen since 2018 when we were last in Melbourne where we did three days of Bartender Atlas events. Turns out, our friend’s better half is the awesome and driven Jen Bailey. Jen’s current role is Head of Americas for Four Pillars Gin. We hung out with these two later on while they were in Toronto and then most recently caught up with Jen this spring when she was in town doing Four Pillars events (we love this gin!).
Bartender Atlas: Where were you born?
Jen Bailey: A tiny little town in rural New South Wales in Australia called Muswellbrook. If you find yourself there, it’s likely you’ve taken a wrong turn.
BA: What city do you work in?
JB: After moving from Australia, I spent about 18 months living in Los Angeles but have just relocated to Austin, Texas.
BA: Where do you go out to eat and drink on your days off?
JB: Dives around Austin – and there are a lot! The White Horse is one of my favourites and just down the road – a classic East Austin honky tonk with live music every night. Another favourite is a dive called Four Five Six, also in East Austin. At Happy Hour they do $1, ice-cold Modelos. That’s really hard to argue with.
BA:What do you do outside of work on your days off?
JB: Right now, its exploring Austin and surrounds. Last weekend I checked out Desert Door Distillery about 35 minutes out of town – they’re making really cool Texas Sotol. I also got really into thrifting while living in LA, so I’m scouring Reddit for local suggestions of good stores and slowly making my way around all of them.
BA: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
JB: Always remember the three C’s of life:
- Communicate
- Contribute
- Don’t be a C*nt
Numbers 1 and 3 are fairly self-explanatory but I think #2 is so important. In life, you get out what you put in.
BA: What’s something you’re excited about?
JB: Oh, many things. But one big one is I’m seeing Oasis in LA in a couple of weeks – pretty excited about that!
*We have a full funny history with Jez that includes an adventure in Mexico with a tequila brand but you will have to ask us about that in-person.
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted September 5th, 2025
