About
Written from behind the bar
I'm Lucas, a bartender in Melbourne. Off the Binder is where I write about the unglamorous part of running a bar well: keeping every recipe, spec and prep in one place the whole team can trust.
Why this, why now
Every bar I've worked in had the same problem. The recipes were everywhere: a binder with sticky pages, a group chat full of 1 am specs, and the one person who just knew. When that person had a day off, the drinks changed.
I also have a background in graphic design, building systems and working with AI tools. Put those together and the fix is not complicated. It just takes a clear format, a bit of design and a habit.
So every Tuesday I share one story and one idea to get there, written colleague to colleague. The examples use classic cocktails or recipes I've made up for the purpose. I never share another venue's specs.
A few house rules
- Faceless on purpose. The brand is the work, not my face. You'll see illustrations, not selfies.
- Honest recommendations. If I ever link to a product and earn a commission, I'll say so right there. I won't say I've tried something unless I have.
- Classics and originals only. No borrowed specs from bars I've worked at.
Lucas, bartender in Melbourne.
Ready when you are
Get your recipes off the binder.
Tell me about your bar and I'll build the system around your menu and your team.
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