Josh Pape

A Vancouverite through and through, Josh Pape's natural understanding of flavours and easy repoire with people led him to a life in the hospitality industry, seeing him crowned ‘Bartender of the Year’ in 2009. Beginning his career at Chambar Belgian restaurant, Josh quickly developed a passion for contemporary mixology and the history of cocktail bartending. Following this passion saw him enter the 42 Below World Cocktail Competition in New Zealand, a trip that began a year tending bar at some of Australia's world renowned cocktail venues.

While ‘down-under’ Josh trained under 'Australian Bartender of the Year’ Marco Faraone, and worked side-by-side with some of the best in the business. Josh returned home to Vancouver and Chambar in 2006, announcing his return to the city’s bourgeoning bar scene by winning both the Maker’s Mark Cocktail Competition and a ticket to France to compete in the Giffard’s Cocktail Competition. He left Chambar late 2008 to open The Diamond.

Sophie Taverner
Affectionately named ‘The Little General’ for her strict dedication to excellence, Sophie Taverner was born and raised in Australia, beginning a career in fashion before making the move to hospitality. Sophie developed a love of all things drink working with cocktail master and ‘Australian Bartender of the Year’ Charlie Ainsbury, at the renowned Bayswater Brasserie in Sydney.

Moving to Vancouver in 2006, her natural talents and vivacious personality quickly saw her behind the wood at Blue Water, where she worked alongside bar managers and local cocktail scholars Ron Oliver, Brad Stanton and Simon Kaulbeck. In July 2007 Sophie became bar manager at Boneta restaurant, helping to design the award winning cocktail program and serving Vancouver diners a wider array of delectable drinks. Taking her skills to Main Street, Sophie charmed patrons at The Cascade Room before joining Mark Brand and Josh Pape to open The Diamond at Maple Tree Square.

Mark Brand

Born in Dundee Scotland, Mark’s enthusiasm for travel and new cultures came at an early age. In 1993 Mark moved to Melbourne, Australia and turned his love of flavors into a career, bartending in some of the city’s most celebrated venues. Drawing on his years of travel Mark experimented with a wide variety of methods and flavor combinations, blending a solid background of classic cocktail knowledge with a willingness to create unexpected pairings.

Mark continued his love of bartending in Vancouver at the widely acclaimed Chambar Belgian restaurant. Always working to elevate his craft, the bar became known as the place where the city’s other barmen could be found on their days off. This good-natured competition created a network of industry friends who continue to constantly support each other in raising Vancouver’s cocktail culture to world-class status. In 2006 Vancouver Magazine honored Brand with the first ever ‘Bartender of the Year’ award.