Amber Banfield of Wynfields Sports Bar

By: Paddy McDrinksey

Article Category: Bartender of the Month

BARTENDER OF THE MONTH: Amber Banfield of Wynfields Sports Bar

The concept of the Happy Hour is virtually unknown in my grey, rainy hometown of Killkilly. Sure, we have a few “Moments of Mirth,” as we call them, but blink and you’ll miss them.

These rare moments, which usually entail the publican carving a little smiley face into the foam of your pint, are overshadowed by the “Melancholy Minute,” which happens at each quarter-hour, and the “Few Seconds of Deep Depression and Crippling Regret” celebrated around 8 a.m. each Monday morning. But all that’s in the past now that I’ve moved beachside.

Some of my Happiest Hours have been spent at my new favorite local, Wynfields in Satellite Beach, with bartendress Amber Banfield. Though born in Miami, Amber grew up in West Melbourne, where she boxed competitively for four years, taking State honors in 2002 for her weight class. When asked how many bar fights she’s broken up, she modestly reckons about a dozen or so. But I’d be willing to bet that number is much higher, for her calm, no-nonsense demeanor seems to quell many a melee before it’s even foolishly considered.

But even Amber’s formidable pugilistic skills are no match for the paranormal. When she first began working at Wynfields, word of the ghosts of owners past haunting the place reached her. “Late at night one of the video games would randomly turn on and scare the heck out of me,” she admits.

Readers, tipplers, Happy Hour enthusiasts all, I give you Amber Banfield, December’s “Bartender of the Month.”

How long have you been tending bar?

Six years total. Two-and-a-half at Wynfields.

What’s your drink of choice?

Crown and tonic.

What’s your favorite part of the profession?

It’s never boring; you get to meet new people every day.

What do you dislike about it?

The smoke and the drunken a-holes.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve witnessed behind the bar?

Sexual activity under the bar involving a 65-year-old woman.

Do you have a preferred hangover cure?

BC Powder with a glass of water.

What’s the strangest concoction you’ve ever been asked to make?

A “Choo-Choo Train”: three shots in a row — Cuervo, Bloody Mary mix, and sweet and sour.

If you could have your own bar, what would you call it and what would it be like?

The Cage. The theme would be MMA fighting with posters of the fighters as wallpaper.

If you could be president for a day what would you do?

Other than promote world peace, I would go to foster care facilities and make the kids feel special.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the winnings?

Buy a street and give houses to my family and friends. I’d also start an animal shelter and a day care center.

If you could serve any celebrity, who would you choose and what would you serve them?

I’d serve Forrest Griffin a Bud bottle.

Where would you most like to travel?

Anywhere tropical… like Hawaii. Definitely not Europe; I’ve seen “Hostel.”

What would you order for your last meal?

Zebra. I’ve always wanted to know what it tastes like.

Where do you like to sit on the other side of the bar?

Wynfields, of course.

Any parting words of wisdom for your readers?

Never regret the past. Let the past be a lesson for your future. And love like you’ve never been hurt.

Wynfields Sports Bar is located at 190 Hwy. A1A in Satellite Beach. Happy Hour is celebrated 7 days a week until 8pm with $1.75 domestic bottles and wells. There’s something going on every night at Wynfields; Mondays: free pool night; Tuesdays: pool league night; Wednesday: open mic night with Bonedogs; Thursdays: Texas Hold ‘Em with 6 gift certificates ($15 bar tabs); Fridays and Saturdays: live music; Sundays: football. Enjoy a large dance floor, well-stocked jukebox, beer pong tables, four pool tables, video games, and plenty of televisions. For more information, call 773-8460.