Themes include: Japanese-inspired vinyl bars, European bar snacks, and charming neighbourhood hideaways.
Yep, it’s that time of year again! Mariah Carey season has begun and so has the process of rounding up the latest and greatest new venues to open across Australia in 2022. Whether you love a Japanese-inspired vinyl bar or your tastes run to sophisticated nights of sherry and pintxos, 2022 has welcomed a smorgasbord of brand-spankin’ new venues in every state, all humbly inviting you to come and have a drink, please.
In Sydney, the overseas influence is still running strong with the opening of Italian-influenced restaurant Fontana and Japanese-inspired listening bar Rekodo. Newtown newcomer Bar Planet offers a wonderfully weird intergalactic experience designed to transport you to another realm with signature Martinis made from seasonal gin and free bags of savoury popcorn. And the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre is a loveable throwback to ‘80s-era Australia – think true-blue beers, an in-house Chinese bistro, and welcoming RSL vibes.
Over in Melbourne, Zaubertrank landed with a splash, pairing aromatic German and Austrian whites with lesser-seen Malaysian bar snacks. Defying the idea that a bar should only be open at night, Her (pictured left) launched a French-style all-day cocktail bar in the city, slinging everything from early morning pastries and Market Lane coffee to French 75s and raclette cheeseburgers. Those who love the tiny bar movement found a new date-night favourite at what its owners refer to as “probably Victoria’s smallest pub”, Caretakers Cottage (pictured at top) – though it’s more perfectly formed cocktail bar than pub. And having been rewarded with spot number 60 on the World’s 100 Best Bars list, more than a few people agree.
Astral Weeks gifted Perth with its first hi-fi listening bar in Northbridge’s Chinatown Precinct. Over in Brisbane, those less continentally inclined found themselves embracing Stranded, a punk-rock cocktail bar hidden in an upstairs warehouse that was once a morgue.
At Hanky Panky Lounge in Darwin, some of Australia’s best young bartenders are delivering killer cocktails and old-fashioned service in a dark, moody and cool hideout. No windows, no distractions – it’s a place where you can escape whatever’s going on in the real world and enjoy a few after-work drinks or a spot of weekend revelry. The drinks are top-notch and the well-executed eats include burrata served on warm sourdough and a pickle and Gouda cheese toastie.
All that good stuff and it's only the tip of the large ice cube. Check out the rest of our favourite new bars from 2022 from across Australia below.
