Chimmi’s The Eastern, 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction (02) 9387 7828 or theeastern.com.au There is a new South American host at The Eastern. Chimmi has thrown open the doors to his home where enjoying great food, rum, cigars and dancing are the only house rules. A nod to his South American and Latin American heritage,
The Collins Bar Hilton Adelaide Hotel, 233 Victoria Square, Adelaide (08) 8237 0760 or www.thecollins.com.au When Australian-based lighting design firm PointOfView was briefed on The Collins Bar at the Hilton Adelaide Hotel it was indicated by the client they wanted to achieve an ambiance even James Bond (the Daniel Craig version) would find beguiling. International
Chilliwow 22 Constance St, Fortitude Valley (07) 3252 8491 or www.chilliwow.com.au Melbourne-based Alexa Nice Interior Design has recently completed the design of a New Mexican cantina inspired bar, Chilliwow. The overall design and feel of Chilliwow is a colourfully rich, playful and relaxed atmosphere showcasing the historically-beautiful Mexican culture. The venue, is spread over three
The Common Room: www.crownmelbourne.com.au/the-common-room The West End at Crown Level 1, Clarendon St, Southbank VIC When Crown Casino knocks a wall through, its with real intent, and a decent budget. So it was when Melbourne’s gaming cathedral refurbished its West End, throwing $50m at the project, much of which we’ve covered in venue. From
The Prahran Hotel: 82 High St, Prahran VIC (03) 9529 2168 or www.prahranhotel.com Matt Mullins: “We approached The Prahran design the same as any other: talk to Techne, ask for some options, dig into those and work out the best approach. And we always say: bring us the crazy shit too. Don’t hold back. We’re open
Wolf Lane 321 Murray St Perth 6000 (08) 9322 4671 or www.wolflane.com.au Nestled down an alleyway off Murray street in the heart of the CBD, Wolf Lane provides a location for cocktails and late night rendezvous. The bar itself resembles a NYC loft, with exposed brickwork and high ceilings contrasted with eclectic vintage furniture and
The Walrus Club 543 Coronation St, Toowong 4066 The Walrus Club can be found – with some difficulty – in the depths of the Regatta Hotel, offering a sensuous experience around rum. The venue is a rabbit warren of intimate, interconnecting spaces, each with its own subtle identity based on rum and the 1920/30’s
Helm Bar Surfers 30-34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise 4217 (07) 5538 9677 or www.helmbarsurfers.com.au Take a look at Helm Bar Surfers. The interiors, inspired by Helm’s sister venue in Sydney, are from Peckvonhartel.
Relax, you’re among friends. Story: Christopher Holder Jimbo & Rex: Crown Melbourne, Southbank VIC www.crownmelbourne.com.au/jimbo-and-rex Before I even set foot in Jimbo & Rex, I liked it. What not to like? I mean, I had no idea who Jimbo or Rex were but I felt sure they were friendly; in all probability human; and
A luxury hotel takes on the bar specialists. Story: Julia Langham Grain: 199 George Street, Sydney NSW (02) 9250 3114 or www.grainbar.com.au Surely there’s room at the Circular Quay end of Sydney’s George Street for one more gorgeous bar? Say hello to Grain, a bespoke artisan bar by Four Seasons Hotel. Yes, Grain is a hotel