A focus on interesting varietals and new-wave producers make drinking a breeze at this stripped-back suburban haunt. The experience here is satisfyingly devoid of any nonsense. Staff are not just willing, but impassioned, to assist with wine selection. A solid by-the-glass list celebrates all that is good about Australian regions, with a few choice French and Italian labels in the mix, too. It’s as easy-breezy as a neighbourhood bar can be, with its open-air courtyard, huge windows and tall ceilings flanked by contrasting red brick and white paint. Natural light rolls across the long sleek bar that, as well as drinks, serves up a selection of smallgoods and cheeses for snacking: think chicken liver pâté with crisp, lightly spiced pickled onions or wedges of ripened Brillat-Savarin adorned with fresh apple and chewy honeycomb. Fancy a break from the grape? Their gimlet, built with Republic of Fremantle gin and neatly tucked into quality glassware, will fill that need, again, and again.
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