First look: the Double Deuce Lounge has arrived

Back in January, we broke the news that the Double Deuce Lounge would be the second bar from the award-winning team behind Sydney’s Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern.

And after a few delays in the permit process, the doors will open to the public this Friday.

Described by co-owner Sebastian Soto as an “ode to the beginning of the golden age of porn,” the bar is light on the 70s touches — a theme bar this is not — doubling down instead on really good stuff to drink.

“There’s a few retro throwbacks but we’re trying g to keep it pretty clean and not too kitschy,” says Ollie Churcher, Double Deuce Lounge’s bar manager.

“We’re starting very pared back, let the venue speak for itself and over time we can lean into it a bit more if we want,” he says.

They’re also bringing a touch of the irreverence that has become a trademark of Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern over to the new bar (the cocktail menu, you see, is inside a video cassette case), and applying it to the drinks.

“We’re a 70s porn chic venue, and all our cocktails are meant to be fun and friendly,” says Churcher. “There’s a bit of technique in them, but all the flavours are meant to be very approachable.”

Like their take on the Whiskey Apple. Given the ownership trio of Soto, Charlie Lehmann, and Dardan Shervashidze all met working for Swillhouse, whose venues Shady Pines Saloon and The Baxter Inn made the Whiskey & Apple a thing, their homage to the drink is a little fancier: Maker’s Mark, calvados, rooibos syrup, vanilla, acid and clarified pink lady apple is served carbonated over clear ice in a tall glass, and it’s a banger.

The wines here are all natural wines, and have been put together by their mates at P&V Wine & Liquor. In the fridge, there’s 10 craft beers on offer, all of which are from Australia or New Zealand and packaged in cans. “It’s environmentally friendly and better for the beer,” says Churcher. “When you think about it, a keg is just a really big fucking can.”

Double Deuce Lounge opens Friday at 4pm at 6 Bridge Street, Sydney.