Henry Sugar

There’s much to love about Henry Sugar, but let’s start with the music. An irresistibly eclectic soundtrack of R&B, soul, funk and Afrobeat – perhaps with Nigerian disco and bossa nova thrown in for good measure – is a sure-fire way to make a bar buzz (DJs keep the mood upbeat most nights of the week, but the acoustics are so good you can still have a conversation without shouting). The low-key Melbourne-meets-Paris good looks are another winner, with stripped-back red-brick walls, bistro tables flanking the banquette, loads of greenery and interesting wine bottles lining the shelves making it a place you want to linger longer. And if you’re a bit unsure about the whole natural-wine thing, this is a great place to start. The staff will cut through any pretension and deliver the juice you want to drink.