Take a trip to That Other Place: Pilot’s pop-up bar is back
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The weather is warming up and it’s time to visit That Other Place.
By this we mean the outdoor wine and cocktail bar in the courtyard of Pilot at the Ainslie shops, which pops up when it’s time to celebrate the great outdoors.
For the second year running, TOP promises to bring the joy to those in a pre-dinner, pre-theatre, pre-party mood. Or even those who just sometimes think snacks and a Strawberry Matcha Pina Colada are all you need on a Friday night.
Grab a mate, a pair of sunnies and get underneath the pink blossoms of the inner north while mixologist Tom Opie works his magic.
Formerly the sommelier of the Waratah, Even Stroeve’s Sydney bar, and having slung cocktails from Wollongong to Bologna, Tom has ranked in the top 25 of Australian bartenders and promises some afternoon delights on the sunny side of Wakefield Gardens.
The cocktail list includes such summery refreshments as a Cumquat Toreador, a Banana and White Chocolate Highball, a Rosella, Pepita and Orange Spritz and a Pebberberry Cola – among others. Everything is served in silver metal cups – better for keeping the cocktails chilled.
Snackies will revolve around the classics such as olives, oysters, pizza and maybe a burger.
“We started this up last year and people loved it, so it’s time to bring it back,” says Tom.
He is a fan of Ainslie shops, saying they were having their moment and “popping off!”
“It really annoys me when people say Canberra’s city is dead. I have to explain that there is this rich snake of food, drink and culture which weaves through the suburbs and they just have to find it.”
He promises visitors to TOP will get the full Ainslie vibe with food and drink that’s “a little bit different”.
“It’s a homely feel but with an edge.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: That Other Place reopens
Where: Courtyard outside Pilot Restaurant at the Ainslie Shops
When: Thursday – Sunday 4 pm til 10 pm
Drop ins only
