My name is Kate Chernoff (she/her), and I’m a bartender based in Victoria, BC. After ‘taking a break’ from my political science degree in 2020, I decided to pursue hospitality full time until I was ready to return to school. A pandemic, a few wine courses, and handful of cocktail competitions later, I am happily reporting no plans on returning to UVic!
I have had the pleasure of being trained in some of Victoria’s best bars, and with the support of my community I have competed in several cocktail competitions, including Flor de Caña’s Most Sustainable Cocktail Competition, World Class Canada, Barate Kid, and Deanston’s Cut from a Different Tartan Challenge. I have also pursued a formal wine education through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, gaining my levels 2 and 3. In 2023, I was honoured to be awarded the inaugural Hot Shot of the Year award by Canada’s 100 Best Bar’s and sponsored by Cointreau, an award created to celebrate young up-and-coming bartenders in Canada’s cocktail scene. A passion of mine within the hospitality industry is advocating for creating safer spaces, which I am grateful to work alongside Good Night Out with!
When I’m not behind the bar, I love checking out the bars, beaches, and live music in Victoria.
Find Kate on Instagram