Jamie Meehan

I’m originally from Ireland, a wee town outside of Dublin. I started my career as a fitness instructor then after a few years, like most Irish people my age, made the big move to Australia in 2008 where I landed a job working in a pub in Melbourne - The Elephant & Wheelbarrow, a fantastic venue in St. Kilda that has sadly closed since. From there, that’s where my passion of bartending started. From quiet days chatting to locals and fellow travellers pouring pints, to jam packed nights always with live music, comedy shows, dj’s and everything in-between smashing out spirits and cocktails. Two years later, I left the sunny shores of Australia,  jumped on a plane and came to the beautiful little paradise that is Queenstown.

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I started working at the Pig & Whistle Pub and continued to do so for just over eight years. That's where I grew up - from my mid twenties, into my early thirties, I fell in love with hospitality all over again and the lifestyle that goes with it. From meeting great people and diehard locals to tourists from every walk of life. I was hosting quizzes, organising social clubs and trips. After an incredibly fast eight years, it was time for a change and for me to spread my wing. From there I started moving around a bit working in venues like Botswana Butchery and Madam Woo whilst hosting quizzes in venues all around town. All that experience led me to move to where I currently am, which is Canyon brewery, a locally owned microbrewery right here in Queenstown. Which is run on a passion for beer and a love of great food. In a recent move, I’ve landed smack bang in the middle of Queenstown again where I am managing the famous Surreal Bar & Restaurant.

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On days off or after work, you can usually catch me in any number of great pubs around town, with a pint of Guinness in hand and hopefully having the craic. 

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Sláinte.

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