Venues

Venues

Bobeche

This place has been open for a few months now but we thought better late than never. Given it has former Luxe luminary, Joe Sinagra on board for the beverage program it is no surprise that the cocktail list for this little den of deliciousness is of the wide ranging style.

El Topo

Perhaps it was the dearth of good Mexican food for so long that led Sydney-siders to so wholeheartedly embrace its flavours. Perhaps it’s because great Mexican is about vibrant and fresh produce (of which Australia has plenty) thrown together simply and cheaply (of which bar owners like plenty). Or maybe it’s just that it goes so damn well with tequila and mezcal.

Bar Profile: Lui Bar

Think Lui Bar and you’ll probably think that Skipper Josh has been at it again, or some other brave soul is testing the waters of tiki mania. But if you’re looking at the pictures on this page, you might be wondering if he’s a bit confused.

The Botanist

Things are looking up for Sydney’s North Shore. Whilst the area has always had some great pubs, things have been a bit hit and miss when it comes to smaller drinking around North Sydney.

But The Botanist looks set to change that.

And the winner is… Sydney!

Sydney is the new bar capital of Australia. Yes that’s right folks, after more than 13 years of publishing this humble little magazine and always referring to Melbourne as the city with the best bars I now feel it only fair to give credit where credit is due.

Monopole

Monopole is the new Potts Point wine bar from Bentley owners, chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrant. While the focus might be on wine, the drinks list isn’t to be neglected: it’s one for the spirits geeks too.

The Collins, Adelaide: First Look

With new bar legislation looking like it will come into effect in March, Adelaide looks set to become the next Australian cocktail destination. Looking to lead that charge is The Collins, the new bar opening soon at the Hilton, smack bang in the middle of the city. We got a look at the bar last week and were impressed with what we saw — the decor is sharp and the back bar is taking shape.

Cellar Bar

Beneath the Newmarket Hotel lies this quirky addition to Melbourne’s bar scene. From the Melbourne Pub Group and chef Paul Wilson, the emphasis is as much on food (see our bar profile this issue for a look at the kick-arse latin food) as it is on their 30-odd tequilas and mezcals.

Young Henry’s opening a new bar in the ‘Loo

Woolloomoo has a new bar brewing that’s a creative collaboration between Oscar McMahon from Newtown’s Young Henry’s brewery (pictured), Jack Brown (ex-owner Chingalings and hospitality business consultant), with Alex Watts and Nick Watney from Camperdown’s Runcible Spoon.