Eight hidden Canberra bars worth searching for
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These hidden bars prove there’s so much more to Canberra’s cocktail scene than meets the eye.
Here are eight bars that are some of Canberra’s best-kept secrets – from a take on a Prohibition era speakeasy to intimate, basement bars, they’re all worth uncovering.
Devil You Don’t (Acton)
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Here, the devil is in the details. Tucked in the subterranean space that previously was home to High Jinks, Devil You Don’t is a cocktail bar that oozes charm. Moody, luxurious and intimate, simply descend the stairs to the basement for a sophisticated start to your night.
Basement 2/15 Edinburgh Avenue, City | @devil_you_dont
Molly (City)
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Molly doesn’t have an address, but it does have coordinates (35°16’44.5″S 149°07’42.0″E) making it one of the hardest bars to hunt down. But it’s well worth it. Hidden behind mysterious wooden doors in an unassuming location, whisky, cocktails and live Jazz make it Canberra’s answer to a Prohibition era speakeasy.
Wooden Door, Odgers Lane, City | molly.bar
Blue Eyes (City)
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Inspired by old Hollywood glamour, Blue Eyes overlooks Garema Place, sitting above the city and cementing its connection to the stars. Classy and cosy, you’ll feel a world (and decade) away from the streets of Canberra as you sip on classic cocktails. Indulgence is encouraged, and opulence is guaranteed.
Level 1/5 Garema Place, City | blueeyescbr.com.au
Hippo Co (City)
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Perched above Canberra’s first Chinese restaurant, Hippo Co is one of Australia’s longest operating cocktail and jazz venues. Stocking over 280 whiskies, book yourself a seat at their guided whisky tastings to try a selection of their constantly evolving list.
Unit 1/17 Garema Place, City | hippoco.com.au
Bar Rochford (City)
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A bar-cum-restaurant that’s sophisticated with a touch of grunge, Bar Rochford is known as one of Canberra’s coolest bars – and for good reason. With a deliberately low-key entrance, it’s a ‘if you know, you know’ kind of venue that’s perfect for barhops who are as serious about their food as they are their drinks.
65 London Circuit (Melbourne Building), City | www.barrochford.com
Volstead Repeal (Braddon)
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From the same team behind Devil You Don’t, Volstead Repeal is quietly hidden away in Braddon. Transporting visitors with a post-Prohibition, New York-style cocktail bar, it has walls lined with whisky bottles, and deep green leather chesterfields and offers den-like warmth (as well as some award-winning drinks).
7/32 Mort Street, Braddon | volstead.com.au
Romanée Wine Bar (Braddon)
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Tucked away in the back of the Branx building on Lonsdale Street, you wouldn’t expect to find a boutique wine bar, but that’s exactly what Romanée is. Pouring a wide variety of local wines made in ACT and surrounding regions as well as some of Australia’s finest vintages, it’s the perfect hidden escape for an after-work tipple.
105/16 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | romaneewinebar.com.au
Ambrosia Lounge (Fyshwick)
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Ambrosia Lounge promises a heavenly cocktail experience in a very unexpected location. Hidden in the Dairy Road precinct, this loft-style cocktail bar is intimate and romantic with textured walls, marble tables, green velvet chairs, sculptural curves and several marble statues strategically placed around the room. In short, it’s as moody, sophisticated and luxurious as you would find in an inner-city laneway in Sydney or Melbourne – and well worth a visit.
Building 2, 2/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | ambrosialounge.com.au
Feature image: Pew Pew Studio.
