Bar Fly

THE SPICE CELLAR
58 Elizabeth Street, Sydney (02) 9223 5585 thespicecellar.com.au
THE EVOLUTION of underground club Spice gives the central city a gift: a fusion of music, art, booze, food if you need it and a great big dose of all night positive energy. “If you’re here drinking and dancing, we won’t close on you,” owner Rebecca Alder gives the nod. With partner DJ Murat Killic (sunrise sets every Sunday morning), she’s passionate about leading the way to a 24-hour city. As it nears the witching hour, the basement crowd changes around the same time the lights dim. The walls are painted by street artist Anthony Lister. Moscow Girl (vodka) I Might (tequila) Good Voodoo (gin) and Keep On Keepin’ On (Jack Daniels) are all easy cocktails to smash (all $18). The BAR FLY top pick here is rum though: a Dark and Stormy with excellent house-made ginger beer.

THE COURTYARD BAR
33 Bayswater Road, Potts Point thecourtyardbar.com.au
THE STRIPPER poles had been removed (you know me – I did look) when the BAR FLY and her Underbelly entourage attended the launch party for this new Kings Cross Courtyard Bar. Without the option of pole dancing, the BAR FLY friends settled in for cocktails and cigarettes – half of this late night opener is outdoors: resplendent with umbrellas, potted palms and wrought iron furniture. Bartender Nick and I were in the minority with our favourite cocktail: the Raspberry Lavender Collins ($18). Apparently the crowd pleaser since the soft opening has been the easy to drink El Mariachi: tequila, fresh watermelon, bird’s eye chilli, lime and sugar. Bubbles, whites, rose and reds are available by the glass. Top marks though go to the perfect outdoor selection of 5 pitchers (white, red and rose sangrias plus Classic Pimms and Pimms Royal) and 5 shots on the list.