Michael Bascetta is a very busy Yarra business owner. You may have drunk at his first venue Bar Liberty on Johnston Street, or the newer courtyard bar Drinkwell. Or you may have heard of his venture GROW - the food conference launched in 2016 that brought Tedx style talks to the hospitality industry. 

Michael's latest idea is Australia's first every co-working space dedicated to hospitality. Setting out to be more than 'just a desk', the space has some industry-specific features such as a large central bar, an industrial kitchen, and free Proud Mary coffee as a part of membership.

Beyond the facilities, Michael hopes that the shared knowledge within Worksmith will help foster a better industry, with potential member sponsorships for promising emerging businesses. He explains, "Worksmith’s mission is to empower people in the food and beverage industry so that they can understand how to achieve longevity in business."

As a long-time hospitality worker himself he has first-hand experience at understanding the challenges of starting a business. He continues, "I was inspired to start Worksmith after seeing the lack of help being given to young people in hospitality that want to start a career and are unsure where to begin."

With its abundance of high quality and innovative food and beverage venues, Collingwood is an obvious choice for a hospitality co-working space. Michael cites local staples Collingwood Coffee College, The Good Copy and Black Pearl as local inspirations. He says, "As soon as I opened Bar Liberty I felt part of a larger community within hospitality. Walking through Fitzroy/Collingwood I now feel like I am at home and comfortable with the people around me." 

Worksmith opened in February on Smith Street. Michael Bascetta is pictured above with Worksmith co-founder Roscoe Power.

Some of Michael's favourite venues:

Proud Mary/ Aunty Peg's
Everyday Coffee
Rockwell & Son's
Lazerpig
Bar Liberty (of course)
Above Board
Black Pearl