New today on A +: Are pokies (electronic gambling machines) still a good bet for Australian pubs? Fred Siggins digs into the issue with empathy and smarts. aplusinsights.com.au/articles/Jackp…

Pokies represent a strong revenue stream for pubs and clubs, but their importance may be waning. According to a 2015 report, access to gaming ranks among the lowest level of importance to pub goers. Beyond the ethics, are pokies still good business? aplusinsights.com.au/articles/Jackp…

The pokies paradox: Australia is home to 18% of the world’s electronic gaming machines, despite having only 0.3% of the global population. They represent a strong revenue stream for pubs, but their importance to the broader public may be waning. aplusinsights.com.au/articles/pokies

New today on A+: Neha_Kale explores what makes a food trend, and considers the business benefits and pitfalls of jumping on edible bandwagons. aplusinsights.com.au/articles/food-…

Food trends aren't always synonymous with novelty – sometimes shifts in the culture renew our appetite for a classic dish. Here are three examples from the culinary archive that are speaking to our collective palates again. aplusinsights.com.au/articles/secon…

A+ is thrilled to partner with Behind the Bar with Cara Devine for a series of videos aimed at the bar industry. First up, a discussion of Aussie cocktail ingredients and how to use them: youtube.com/watch?v=ENBtg3…

Australia is producing some amazing products for the bar these days (yes, beyond gin and whisky). Check out this primer from the lovely Behind the Bar with Cara Devine in collaboration with A + youtube.com/watch?v=ENBtg3…

New today on A+: Dani Valent explores six unexpected career paths in hospitality. Decent hours! Quality of life! Job security! All the things we don't always associate with this industry are possible if you look beyond the obvious. aplusinsights.com.au/articles/forks…

Discussing the history of tiki and tropical cocktails: New video by Behind the Bar with Cara Devine in partnership with A+. youtube.com/watch?v=qIkKhw…

Love this story about career changes within hospitality…

When Evelyn Liong became pregnant, she quit her job as a venue manager. “There wasn't much support from the directors, and I felt the stress and intensity would be detrimental to my health.” How can #hospitality better support parents & pregnant people?aplusinsights.com.au/articles/in-th…

Is the role of restaurant critic changing? — ⁦A +⁩ ⁦Max Brearley⁩ aplusinsights.com.au/articles/resta…

Is restaurant criticism changing? Should it? Max Brearley takes a deep dive into the world of reviewing and asks where we should go from here. With thoughts from Bill Addison Marina O'Loughlin chef mark best Besha Rodell Gemima Cody and more. aplusinsights.com.au/articles/resta…

How to rile up a bunch of bartenders on Facebook: Post about the French Martini. Behind the Bar with Cara Devine digs into the history and mystery of this ultimate disco drink: aplusinsights.com.au/articles/frenc…

Journo job alert! Looking for a Melbourne or Sydney-based associate editor for A +, working closely with me (and a fantastic team) to bring hospitality focused stories into the world. rightangle.com.au/news/associate…

What advice do critics have for the restaurants they cover? We asked Bill Addison Besha Rodell Pat Nourse Max Brearley for their best tips on how to get a review, what to do if a critic is in the house, and more. aplusinsights.com.au/articles/resta…

“You are not employed to sell alcohol to people,” I would tell my staff. “That’s what bottle shops do. As a bartender, you are now in the entertainment industry.” Fred Siggins on the pervasive reality of the snide bartender/waiter/barista. Read more: aplusinsights.com.au/articles/raisi…

New on A+: Dani Valent takes a balanced look at the intersection of social media influencers and restaurants, the disgust fueling #couscousforcomment and the ways owners and managers can navigate the tricky world of collabs. (Or not.) aplusinsights.com.au/articles/influ…

Wrote a piece for A + about influencers and hospitality - very interesting to dig in & find out what's OK, what's odious and what works for businesses. #couscousforcomment @JohnLethlean Besha Rodell aplusinsights.com.au/articles/influ…

Wage theft costs the economy and workers billions of dollars every year in Australia. Who is to blame? And what are the solutions? Read part one of Fred Siggins' two-part investigation: aplusinsights.com.au/articles/wage-…