Hippo-Co – your new Wednesday night habit?

Posted on 30 April, 2014

I have been meaning to make the trip to Hippo-Co for a long time now.

Nevertheless, every Wednesday there seems to be something in the way – my readings, the freezing cold, my motivation to get out of bed and not re-watch season 9 of Bones. This Wednesday, however, I had the fortune to literally run into a friend who was touring a visitor around Canberra and was planning on heading to Hippo that night. I gladly leapt on the opportunity, since, having committed, I couldn’t wriggle out of it.

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Hippo-Co is not immediately obvious from street level. Sitting next to Honkytonks, it is signposted only by a small door that leads onto a narrow flight of stairs leading above street level. Emerging from the stairwell into the bar is like entering a different world. The lighting is dim and sultry, provided by exposed light bulbs suspended from circular frames in the ceiling and from lamps shrouded in kooky shades. The walls are exposed brick, decorated with framed black and white photos and mirrors.

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To the right, the polished wooden bar gleams in the light spilling from behind the liquor shelf, which looms impressively from floor to ceiling, crammed with more bottles and varieties of liquor than I could have possibly imagined exist. The bottles reflect the light beautifully, so the bar appears like some godly apparition in the seductively lit bar. To the left, a cool breeze flows in from an open balcony, no doubt providing some needed refreshment for the four piece jazz group that is grooving and improvising under the light of a quirky collection of lights and lamps sitting on small, stand-alone shelves. A bass player, a trumpeter, a saxophonist and a bass guitar player make beautiful, improvised jazz music, clearly absorbed in their music but executing every note with languid ease and precision.

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Every seat is occupied. People perch on bar stools or have settled into comfortable wooden chairs that cluster cosily around low tables. There is a low murmur of conversation, but most people are listening to the jazz, heads tilted appreciatively, finders and toes taping and swaying to the fluid rhythm. The bartenders and staff bring around little bowls of salty, crunchy pretzels, which are a perfect snack with a nice cocktail or whiskey.

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Now lets talk about those cocktails. The menu is tailored to the seasons, and is broad based but not overwhelming. The flavours range from apricot and tequila (Ricky Rancheros) to rum, macadamia and lime (Caters Tiki) and vanilla and passionfruit (The Regent Martini). I sampled the Jasmine Martini: vodka, spiced pear puree, jasmine syrup and fresh apple juice. I am not exaggerating when I say that this was the best cocktail that I have ever had. In my life. To this day. The flavour was subtle, sweet and fragrant, with a beautiful uneven texture provided by the peach puree, sparkling with notes of cinnamon and jasmine. I know that that sounds overly pretentious but it was a truly delicious cocktail and I am trying my very best to convey that very deliciousness to you.

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Following a little reno last year, Hippo-Co became a whiskey bar. Having not sampled the whiskey on my first visit, I can’t attest to the exact flavour of any singular drop, but what I can attest to is the range of whiskey on offer. According to their website, Hippo-Co have over 200 whiskies on their shelf, and you can sign up to taste six of them at either 6pm or 8pm on a Thursday. These sessions, cheekily named ‘6 at 6’, provide a resident whiskey expert, who provides information about the production process of each whiskey, as well as the flavour profiles and tasting notes. This month’s tasting, for example, focuses on whiskeys from around the world, and includes whiskeys from Japan, India and the USA.

In summary, my first visit to Hippo-Co has got me frantically flipping through my diary for an excuse to go back. With a relaxed, comfy vibe, great music, friendly, chatty service and beautiful cocktails, there is really no room to go wrong. Having said this, it is an intimate space without room to swing a cat (as my father would say), so come prepared to rub shoulders with other Hippo-goers. Nevertheless, Hippo-Co ticked all my boxes and sent me home happy and full of the jazz vibe. I can’t wait for my next visit!

the essentials

What: Hippo Bar

When: Open from 5pm til 2pm Monday to Saturday. Jazz from 8:30pm every Wednesday.

Where: 17 Garema Place, Civic

Web: www.hippobar.com.au

Phone: (02) 6247 7555