Secret bars around Australia revealed
There's something thrilling about slipping into an unmarked door to discover a bar in full swing - undetected by passers by on the street.
It's like stepping back in time to the days of prohibition and gin served in tea cups, where for a couple of hours you and the other patrons have a secret that no one knows about.
SYDNEY
Sticky Bar
Located above Table for 20 in Surry Hills, this one is very difficult to find. The address may be on Campbell Street but to find the entrance you’ll need to go about 50 metres up Taggarts Lane and look for a small doorway. There will be a note with a phone number you must text to receive the password. After all that effort treat yourself to a cocktail, as the list at Sticky Bar is one of the city’s best.
Address: Level 2, 182 Campbell St, Surry Hills
Website: tablefor20.blogspot.com.au
Sticky Bar, Sydney
The Soda Factory
At this address you’ll find a tiny hot dog store that looks like something out of Grease and appears to have no one working there. To the right you’ll see a fridge branded by Coca Cola. Open the fridge door and step into The Soda Factory. Chubby Checker is blaring from the speakers, framed pictures of Marilyn Monroe line the walls and bartenders dressed like Buddy Holly and Bette Davis serve you alcoholic raspberry floats.
Address: 16 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills
MELBOURNE
Murmur Bar
Not so much hidden, as it is discreet, people walk right past Murmur without noticing it's there. The tiny Cuban themed bar specialises in rum (Murmur is rum spelled backwards, twice) and is renowned for their excellent cocktails. If cocktails aren't your thing, the list of over thirty beers and ciders from all over the world is sure to please.
Address: 17 Warburton Lane, Melbourne
Murmur Bar, Melbourne
Madame Brussels
First timers wonder where on Earth they are until the lift doors open and spill them out on the rooftop bar. It's all kinds of fabulous and one of those ‘not in Kansas anymore’ moments. The staff are dressed in tennis whites, your drinks are served in tea cups and there is astro turf galore. Order a Double D Cup (it’s a cocktail!) and snack on lemon sponge cupcakes with hot pink butter icing.
Address: Level 3, 59 Bourke St, Melbourne
Website: www.madamebrussels.com
Madame Brussels, Melbourne
BRISBANE
The Junk Bar
Wedged between a fish and chip shop and a Chinese takeaway, The Junk Bar is the kind of place only locals know about. It makes the most of its location - patrons can order food from either takeout and relax on the old fashioned couches that look like they belonged to your grandma. Decorated with old records, lamps, indoor palms and moose heads mounted on the rainforest wallpaper, it's kitschy fun at its best.
Address: 215 Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove
The Junk Bar, Brisbane
PERTH
Ezra Pound
Small bars are popping up all over Perth and Ezra Pound is one of the originals. Cocktails are served in jam jars and hilariously, beer in paper bags. Inspired by the prohibition era, the bar is hidden down Williams Lane. With house rules that include, ‘Treat ladies with respect. Don’t creep.’ we reckon this place is a winner.
Address: 189 William St, Williams Lane, Northbridge
Ezra Pound, Perth
Source: News.com.au, 6 August 2013
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