Heather Sharp is a local favourite in a foreign land.
Heather Sharp is a local favourite in a foreign land.
The 24-year-old Aussie bartender has been serving succulent spirits at the Juniper Hotel and Bistro for just three months, but has quickly elevated herself to win Banff's Best Bartender in this year's Best of the Bow awards.
Standing in front of a wall of gleaming liquors behind the bar, Sharp rattles and shakes up a creamy espresso martini, a best seller at the Bistro, as she spoke on her newly appointed bragging rights.
“I'm over the moon about (winning),” said the Melbourne native. “This is such a great place to work, so it's such an amazing award to win; it's very flattering and builds confidence a lot as well. It's fantastic.”
It's Sharp's second run in Banff. After living in the mountain town last summer she ventured to Whistler, B.C., for a Rocky Mountain road trip before returning to Alberta and gaining employment at Juniper.
“I love Banff. It's an amazing place,” she said. “It's awesome doing full-time bartending here.”
While serving patrons her favourite cocktail to mix, the fruity A Drop of Summer, Sharp, who has been bartending for a few years, says she enjoys getting on a more personal level with visiting customers and their overall experience.
“My favourite part of the job is chatting with people and learning their stories,” said Sharp. “We get a few locals come in and often travel from Calgary most weekends as well. It's their little getaway place and the fact that Juniper is just outside of Banff helps with the crowds and stuff.”
It helps to raise the bar of customer service when you have great co-workers beside you every shift, she said.
“The team here is amazing to work with,” said Sharp. “They're a huge support and I'm learning every day from Hilary (Chamberlain) as well, she's a great mentor.”
Chamberlain, the Bistro's food and beverage manager, says Sharp has been doing an amazing job mixing drinks and mingling with guests.
“Heather is approachable, helpful and has a great demeanour about her that makes people want to sit at the bar with her for five hours,” said Chamberlain.
She says the award is very nice recognition for not only Sharp, but the entire staff at Juniper.
