Last night, the Canberra glitterati turned out for the opening of Lucky’s Speakeasy, the bar secreted away in the brand spanking new QT Canberra. Everyone dressed to impress, and the ambience was loud, inviting and warm – a welcome relief from the rain that had started outside.

Any place that claims ‘it’s too late to be good’ has to be fun!

In the 1920s, speakeasies were hidden sections of an establishment that were used to illegally sell alcoholic beverages during the Prohibition era in the US, when there was a nationwide ban on the sale, production, importation, and transportation of alcohol. Many think a speakeasy should be underground, but the emphasis is on ‘hidden’ – in this case, Lucky’s is at street level, but you do have to find it via a secret entrance at the back of the hotel’s Barber Shop.

The space is large, yet intimate, with different sections able to be roped off, and curtains drawn around tables for privacy.

The sizeable space actually felt quite intimate. Large comfortable chesterfields line the walls; a dimly lit mood is created by bare bulbs suspended from the ceiling set within gorgeous glass decanters. The Prohibition theme is played upon with posters from the era displayed on rotation on the screens around the room, and the staff could have stepped off the set of a 20s movie, lending some playfulness to the venue.

One of the Prohibition era posters displayed on screens around the bar.

The bar is huge, with every spirit in the world displayed, so the discerning drinker will certainly find a tipple. I stuck to the Champagne last night, so cannot actually personally assess the skills of the staff in mixing drinks, but husband did enjoy his cocktail, and fellow HerCanberrans, Michelle and Fiona gave the Perfect Bubbles and Millionaire Number Ones (quite strong and were topped with a kirsch soaked cherry) a whirl, to favourable reports.

Some Millionaire Number Ones – they pack a punch!

At first glance, I liked the bar and what it could offer. But, is it enough to keep me going back, over some of the other new bars in Canberra I have come to know and love? Only time will tell – I plan to spend some more time in Lucky’s secret hideaway before exposing a full review – so watch this space for more. We’ll let you know ‘on the QT’.

the essentials

What: Lucky’s Speakeasy
Where: 1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT (inside the QT Hotel)
When: Wednesday to Fri from 5pm – late; Saturday from 6pm – late
Phone: 02 6267 1270
Web: www.qtcanberra.com.au