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BRANCHING OUT EPISODE 14! James Grant of Toronto (but kinda Edmonton) joins Josh to talk about setting fire to previous versions of yourself, how being a bartender will make you a better communicator (ideally) and how stupid garnish will crash your service. James was sent our way by both Calliope Draper and Jeff Savage.

Like! Subscribe! Share! Branching Out is available wherever you listen to podcasts or via the link in our profile.

Branching Out is produced by AXXN Pact in Toronto, Canada.

トロントより世界一に輝いたバーテンダーJames Grant を迎えてお送りする
DRIFTWOOD COCKTAIL SESSIONS Vol.3

2026年発表の「North America’s 50 Best Bars」にて、
James Grant 氏が率いる Library Bar が19位にランクイン。

2021年「Diageo World Class」で世界一に、
2022年「Canada’s 100 Best Bartender of the Year」を受賞し、フェアモント ロイヤル ヨーク内の個性豊かな3つのバーで培われた卓越した技術と創造性を体現するバーテンダー。

一夜限り、東京でその世界観を体感する特別な機会。
ぜひ DRIFTWOOD にてお楽しみください。

-ご予約はプロフィールのリンクより

Welcoming James Grant.
DRIFTWOOD COCKTAIL SESSIONS Vol.3

Fresh from the 2026 announcement of North America’s 50 Best Bars,
Library Bar has been ranked No.19—under the direction of James Grant.

Awarded World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2021 and Canada’s 100 Best Bartender of the Year 2022, he brings a distinctive balance of precision and creativity, shaped at Fairmont Royal York’s celebrated bars.

For one night only, experience his craft in Tokyo.
Join us at DRIFTWOOD.

For reservation: Link in Bio

トロントより世界一に輝いたバーテンダーJames Grant を迎えてお送りする
DRIFTWOOD COCKTAIL SESSIONS Vol.3

2026年発表の「North America’s 50 Best Bars」にて、
James Grant 氏が率いる Library Bar が19位にランクイン。

2021年「Diageo World Class」で世界一に、
2022年「Canada’s 100 Best Bartender of the Year」を受賞し、フェアモント ロイヤル ヨーク内の個性豊かな3つのバーで培われた卓越した技術と創造性を体現するバーテンダー。

一夜限り、東京でその世界観を体感する特別な機会。
ぜひ DRIFTWOOD にてお楽しみください。

-ご予約はプロフィールのリンクより

Welcoming James Grant.
DRIFTWOOD COCKTAIL SESSIONS Vol.3

Fresh from the 2026 announcement of North America’s 50 Best Bars,
Library Bar has been ranked No.19—under the direction of James Grant.

Awarded World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2021 and Canada’s 100 Best Bartender of the Year 2022, he brings a distinctive balance of precision and creativity, shaped at Fairmont Royal York’s celebrated bars.

For one night only, experience his craft in Tokyo.
Join us at DRIFTWOOD.

For reservation: Link in Bio

Very grateful. Very humbled. Very tired. Thank you to the entire @librarybartoronto and @fairmontroyalyork team for their support, diligence, and incredible hard work every day.

Thanks for the amazing week @50bestbars and thank you to my dear friends @ketelone for recognizing us.

Thanks to my every day ride or die @mrnicerye. I apologize for all the dumb ideas I’m going to bring you this year.

Huge congratulations to all the amazing bars and friends who did big things this year - @fatherofcups @fiftytimesfour @prophecybar @thirstydreamer @mothercocktailbar @thekeeferbar @juneoncambie @barpompette_to @barmauromx @librarybytheseagc @tendingkennedy @elise.h3 @civwrksto @fomabar.mx @handshake_bar @angelssharenyc @martinys_nyc @takuma0w @tsunetaka_imada @theclementebar @barsnack.nyc @barmordecai @atwatercocktailclub @christinaveira @kateboushel @overstory @harrison.ginsberg @silverlyan @samuelnellis @beardedleidy @shingo_gokan @mightyschneidey @sipandguzzlenyc and the big dog @benyabrow

I’m sure there’s a ton I’m missing but I’m so sleepy.

Out of office for a few days bye.

Excellence is never built alone. We're honoured to share that Library Bar has been named No. 19 in North America by @50bestbars and awarded the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2026. To be celebrated on a global stage alongside such distinguished company is a moment we hold with immense pride and gratitude.

This recognition belongs to every single member of our team. The ones behind the bar and on the floor who shape every guest experience from the first greeting at the door to the final sip of a cocktail and those working behind the scenes. This one's yours. Congratulations! #NorthAmericas50Best #50BestBars

Celebrating #NA50BestBars in Vancouver, we joined forces with @mothercocktailbar for a special guest shift takeover of @fairmontpacific Lobby Lounge & RawBar last night. What a night - full of energy, talent, and connection, surrounded by so many friends and familiar faces from across the industry. Still buzzing from it all!

Ahead, we’re teaming up with our friends @prophecybar tonight, keep an eye on our stories; it’s going to be a night to remember.

Inside one of Toronto’s most storied hotel bars. 📚

Located within @fairmontroyalyork, @librarybartoronto is the hotel’s oldest bar, with decades of history behind it.

In recent years, it’s been reborn as the hotel’s flagship cocktail destination - a place where legacy, storytelling, and creative risk-taking come together.

For Beverage Director @oldgrayrabbit, the story comes first. From spirit and glassware to presentation and service, every element is shaped by the idea behind the drink.

In this episode of World Class: Behind The Bar, James - our 2021 Global Bartender of the Year - explains how he and the team are carrying Library Bar’s legacy forward, while making every guest feel like they belong.

—
#WorldClass2026 #WorldClass #MakeItWorldClass #BehindTheBar #JamesGrant

What a night. Our first Guest Shift of the year brought Brendan Hayley and Davey Taylor from Dublin's Bar 1661 to Library Bar. They introduced Toronto to poitín, shared Belfast Coffee, and left their mark.

Now it's our turn. Tonight, Library Bar heads to @fairmontpacific alongside Toronto's Mother to showcase Canada's dynamic cocktail scene. Vancouver, we can't wait to see you at the bar.

What a night. Our first Guest Shift of 2026 brought Brendan Hayley and Davey Taylor from Dublin's Bar 1661 to Library Bar. They introduced Toronto to poitín, shared Belfast Coffee, and filled our room with energy like only they can. Sláinte to that.

It was an exceptional honour to host author Michael Ondaatje and his family tonight @librarybartoronto.

Our current menu is directly inspired by his masterpiece In the Skin of a Lion, and hosting him meant so much to our team.

Personally, Michael’s work inspired my love for the city of Toronto. It has moved me since my early twenties. His novels and poetry have brought invaluable beauty into my life.

Getting to sit with him to discuss his work, and our interpretation of it was one of the greatest privileges in my career.

In short, whoa.

It's official: @1661bar is taking over Library Bar.

Our first guest shift of 2026 brings Ireland's Cocktail Bar of the Year to Toronto. Brendan Hayley and Davey Taylor arrive on March 9, with their celebrated cocktail list including Belfast Coffee, Sliding Doors, Sackville Sour and more. Come for the drinks, stay for everything else they pour.

Walk in or reserve your seat at the bar via the link in bio.

What a treat! For the second guest shift at Martiny’s in 2026, James from Library Bar in Toronto, Canada will be behind the counter, showcasing his exceptional technique and cocktails at Martiny’s.

The event will take place on March 3rd, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM (last call).

We’ve been talking about doing a collaboration for several years, so I’m truly excited that it’s finally happening.

Don’t miss it! 🍸
#bar #guestshift #martinys #Librarybar #cocktail #cocktaillover #ny #newyorkcity #toronto