Verity Lane is throwing a Private Bin throwback party and they had us at ‘sticky floors’

Posted on 20 February, 2025

If you’re of a certain vintage you’ll no doubt have fond (probably somewhat hazy) memories of a night out at The Private Bin.

Well, do we have an event for you!

Verity Lane Market – the chic market hall that calls the former Private Bin space home – is leaning full-tilt into the nostalgia of the Sydney Building and inviting old and new friends to celebrate at a Throwback Party on Saturday, 8 March.

A tribute to the iconic nightlife of Canberra in the good old days, the party invites guests to embrace their inner retro with an ’80s and ’90s dress code, with a prize for the King and Queen of the Bin for best-dressed. Honestly, just pop down to Glassons and grab some hipster jeans and you’ll be sweet.

From 8 pm until the early hours, the party will be headlined by DJ Rob Bee, an original Private Bin resident DJ of over six years. The night will feature nostalgic music, popular cocktails from the past such as B52s and Flaming Lamborghinis, and bar snacks until midnight.

“We’re inviting everyone to let loose and relive the days of unforgettable nights out,” says Kathryn Oplantzakis, Head of Precinct at Verity Lane Market.

“It’s going to be a fun, high-energy event filled with great music, delicious drinks, and fantastic company.”

It’s all part of Verity Lane Market’s Nostalgia Week, a two-week celebration of iconic dishes, classic cocktails, and retro fun running from February 27 to 8 March.

“Nostalgia Week is about more than just food and drinks – it’s about bringing people together to celebrate the moments that shaped us and to create new memories,” she says.

Each of the market’s kitchens will feature a specialty dish that either represents a cherished childhood memory or is a modern twist on a classic.

Una Pizza will be offering their Potato and Rosemary Pizza, a tribute to owner Silvio’s Nonna and her homestyle cooking. Meanwhile, 38 Katsu will be serving their signature 38 Pork Katsu (Donkatsu).

The bars will also take part, offering a modern take on some classic cocktails including Cosmos, Apple Martinis, and Mai Tais – perfect for anyone looking to relive the drinks of yesteryear.

Verity Lane Market is also hosting a special free screening of the beloved classic The Princess Bride on Thursday, 27 February, at 7pm in Louie Louie. The laid-back screening encourages audience engagement. Guests can enjoy popcorn, a lolly bar, and exclusive cocktail specials for the night.

“Nostalgia Week came about as we were looking at the history of the Sydney Building and in particular some of the venues that occupied the spaces where Verity Lane Market now stands,” says Kathryn.

“Where we are in the Sydney building has been home to some famous (and many infamous) Canberra venues and we want to honour those that have been before us and give our patrons a little taste of what they might be missing from their youth.”

“For our vendors, that’s a little flavour of home with many of them celebrating their childhood favourite dishes, and for our bars that’s looking back on the icon that was The Private Bin.”