The bartender

Andy Chu

One or Two Bar

In 2022, Andy Chu opened the doors to his first venue, a quaint 24-seater named One or Two. Operating this Melbourne venue has been the latest step in an already long and diverse career, which has involved bartending stints in Melbourne and London and even time making whisky in Scotland. 

What personal experiences or life events have shaped your approach to bartending and influenced your style?

A lot. So many to be honest. I’d say everyone I have encountered, either from serving me, or people I got the chance to serve back.

Back when I was in university era (we’re talking about blogging and Xanga days, definitely exposing my age here) I used to read and watch bartending videos until 2am everyday. Alcohol used to have a negative image about intoxicated people, but all the bartenders were trying their best to show people to a better drinking experience and how to behave themselves. Names Like Kazuo Uyeda, Hiroyasu Kayama, Sasha Petraske, and Gary Regan certainly changed my POV of how to be a great bartender.

The hero cocktail

Take A Moment

Ingredients

• Four Rose Bourbon Whiskey 

• Cedarwood Spirit 

• Palo Santo Syrup

• Aromatic Bitters 

Like this cocktail? The full recipe can be found in Top 25 Bartenders Australia. Get your copy by clicking the button below.

The bar

One or Two

One or Two is a contemporary “Hide-out Bar” inside Chinatown in Melbourne. It’s inspired by “Midnight Diner” and follows the idea of “Wabi-Sabi” - which also means living and embracing the imperfect, impermanent. That could apply to our decorations, drinks, service or styles. 24 Seats, 8 cocktails, 60 whiskies, 3 wines, 2 beers. To keep it simple but also essential. Back in May 2022, we signed the lease and kickstarted the One or Two Bar project. Fortunately, we could open One or Two with the right timing and location. What a journey so far. And we have just celebrated our first birthday this October; time flies.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 4 pm – 1 am