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Bars

A Spritz, just not as you know it

Beat the heat with five elevated takes on the Spritz from Melbourne bartenders.

By Fred Siggins

/ 27 Jan 2026

The Spritz riff at Black Kite Commune. Photo: Fred Siggins

At The Lodge, a pioneering (and often imitated) Melbourne bartender gets creative

How high-end Kiwi menswear brand Rodd & Gunn is combining retail and hospitality, with cocktails by Matt Bax.

By Fred Siggins

/ 20 Jan 2026

The Lodge Member's Bar in Melbourne. Photo: Fred Siggins

“We don’t want to kill this brand.” Why Double Deuce Lounge is moving

“You just grin and bear it.” Sebastian Soto on why everything is against you as a small business owner, and how to avoid a cookie-cutter bar world future.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 19 Jan 2026

Sebastian 'Cosmo' Soto on Double Deuce's last night. Photo: Boothby

Soft serves, hard liquor: how one Carlton venue is beating the summer heat

Plus: how to support Victorian producers affected by the fires.

By Fred Siggins

/ 13 Jan 2026

Summer drinks at Leonardo's Pizza Palace in Carlton. Photo: Supplied

Drinks in transit: Cambodia’s quiet cocktail revolution

In Phnom Penh, Samantha Payne discovers micro distilleries, and the beginnings of a creative cocktail destination.

By Samantha Payne

/ 8 Jan 2026

Drinks in transit: Cambodia’s quiet cocktail revolution

Milquetoast deals with uncertain economic times by “being able to say yes to everyone who walks in.”

Co-owner George Curtis on the cult favourite menu item making a return, approachability, and red flags in hiring.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Jan 2026

Milquetoast is an award-winning wine bar in the Brisbane CBD. Photo: Supplied

“People’s attention span for the next new thing is short,” say Pendant Public Bar’s owners

After an award-winning 2025, Belinda Linton & Luke Kelly on how they’re approaching 2026.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 31 Dec 2025

Luke Kelly and Belinda Linton at Pendant Public Bar in Fitzroy. Photo: Supplied

The bar business “can ride you round like a rollercoaster”: Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern’s Charlie Lehmann

How the original five star dive bar (and All Time Great) is working ahead to 2026.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 30 Dec 2025

Ramblin' Rascal Tavern in Sydney. Photo: Supplied

24,000 Martinis and 33,000 Guinness pints: how Caretaker’s Cottage is looking at the year ahead

Best of 2025: Q&A with Caretaker’s Cottage co-owner Rob Libecans.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 29 Dec 2025

24,000 Martinis and 33,000 Guinness pints: how Caretaker’s Cottage is looking at the year ahead

Reports of the death of Melbourne’s bar scene are greatly exaggerated

A message of thanks to round out the year.

By Fred Siggins

/ 23 Dec 2025

The old site of The Everleigh has been reborn as Moondrop. Photo: Greg Siggins

Death & Co’s Samantha Katsikas on bringing an iconic American bar to Brisbane

Also: why Toowong? Translating Death & Co for a local audience..

By Becca Wang

/ 18 Dec 2025

Death & Co venue manager Samantha Katsikas. Photo: Supplied

Controversial hospo behemoth Merivale comes to Melbourne with LB’s Record Bar

A ‘very Sydney’ bar arrives with the Madrusans at the helm.

By Fred Siggins

/ 17 Dec 2025

LB's Record Bar sits where Lily Black's once reigned. Photo: Supplied/Georges Antoni