“Nick & Nora’s returns to the Australian Open in 2025, bringing all the glitz and glam of its Melbourne cocktail institution with a dash of speakeasy flair. “
What to eat at the Australian Open
Craft Beer and Whisky Bar Boilermaker House Is Closing for Good at the End of December
You’ve got a few more weeks to have a final taste of this CBD gem, before it call last drinks on December 30.
Legends of the Speakeasy Group – Rachel Curnow
We sat down with Rachel Curnow, Head of Events & Reservations, to discuss hospitality and her role at The Speakeasy Group.
What do you love about the industry?
People walking away with wonderful experiences that they talking about which give them joy, they get to learn something through their experiences.
A day in a life as a Head of Events & Reservations at the Speakeasy Group.
I have a wonderful team, who are incredible at their roles. We mainly answer phone calls and inboxes, the upcoming activations for all venues and we ensure that we stay on track with our timelines and manage everything effectively.
What do you love about your role and working at the Speakeasy Group?
My team, definitely! Seeing the progress that we’ve made together, the relationships with the venues, and the activations that we put out. Always with events, especially, from start to finish, getting guests’ feedback at the end of the day is what we base our success on.
There is such a difference in the brand of the Speakeasy Group, so unique and strong. The people working at the venues are passionate about the products. We provide the products to them and they execute their jobs well, their love for hospitality and their love of what they do along with the theatrics of the brand itself really gives the full experience — that next level of experience.
Favourite drink on the Pearl Diver menu?
The Sea & Shell Martini at the Pearl Diver. Pez and Boonie, being owners of their business through the Pathway to Partnership Program, put an extra element of love in everything that they do in terms of service. I love a martini but every now and then, oyster shell-based martini is one of the best. The little oyster brines they give you go with the whole little packages, the love they put into it is amazing!
Where would we find you on a day off?
Running around somewhere with my family, like basketball games and other activities. Not too often, but we do love going to the beach.
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When it comes to proteins, the team does not muck around. In fact, there’s a whole section of the menu dedicated to ‘Land’.
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Melbourne’s bar scene continues to thrive in 2025, offering a diverse range of experiences from hidden speakeasies to rooftop lounges.
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Nick & Nora’s is largely credited for spearheading Western Sydney’s new wave of old-school bars, bringing Golden Age glamour to Parramatta. A dedicated cocktail and Champagne bar, the jewel in the Nick & Nora crown is its 270-degree views across ‘the other CBD’.
Employee Engagement Survey
We are excited to announce that the Employee Engagement Survey is now live! Leaza has carefully considering all feedback to make the necessary changes and improvements within the group, so your input is genuinely valued.
We understand that many of you may feel like nothing will come from these surveys, but we want to assure you that this is your opportunity to be heard. We are truly passionate about making a difference, and we will personally ensure that the responses are followed up. Your honest feedback will help us make real, meaningful changes, but we need your input to do so.
The survey is 1000% anonymous, so please don’t hesitate to be open. Without your candid feedback, we won’t be able to provide the support needed to ensure everyone is happy and content in their roles.
The survey will remain open until 31st October, so please take the time to share your thoughts. As a bonus, at the end of the survey, you’ll find a QR code that takes you to an external website where you can enter the draw to win a $500 Speakeasy Group gift card, with one gift card up for grabs in each state. Please note that the staff discount will not apply when using the gift card.
This is your chance to shape our workplace for the better, so I encourage everyone to take part!
Click the link to complete the survey: https://forms.gle/kkQX9EPDUrgtJoqs5
Introducing Physical Vouchers & Staff Incentive for End of Year Period
The Speakeasy Group is rolling out physical vouchers for sale in all venue for the end of year period. These vouchers, can be purchased in venue through the same Giver app we use for digital vouchers and can be processed in service by hosts or MODS for guests.
Voucher kits have arrived at venue with vouchers, envelopes and stands. Please note nothing is processed through the POS and all done on the iPads, same as voucher redemption.
A full training on this is available here, and will soon be available on ANANAS.
We will also be running a staff incentive for In Venue Gift Voucher Sales over November and December. Here are the details:
Venue that sells the most Gift Vouchers by $ value will win $1,000 towards a staff outing.
Individual staff member that sells the most vouchers by $ value will receive 25% of the value of what they have sold. That’s right. If the winning staff member sells $10,000 worth of vouchers, they will receive $2,500 (paid as a bonus through payroll).
*at a minimum the winning venue must sell in excess of $5,000 worth of Gift Vouchers to be eligible for prize.
When selling the Gift Voucher in venue you will need to track who has made the sale by adding a private note to the voucher (see screenshot). Ensure you:
- Add the venue name and “sold in venue”
- Add staff members name
Spread the word to all the team and let the games commence!!!
5 Ultimate Experiences to Book Ahead of the Australian Open
For a change of scenery, level up your experience in the speakeasy-inspired Bar Suite with canapés and signature cocktails by Melbourne’s beloved institution, Nick & Nora’s.
AO 2025 set to serve up a culinary feast of global flavours
Australian Open 2025 is set to deliver a culinary feast like never before, offering fans the most extensive range of food experiences in the event’s history.