Muddle Bar has just had a make-over thanks to its passionate owner of almost a year, Rob. He has a love for fine liquor and stylish venues so, as soon as he bought the little bar on West Row, a renovation was on the horizon. Now, we have a refreshed Canberra classic that’s a little bit different and, ultimately, an extension of Rob’s personality.
The 1920s library styled bar is old-fashioned with modern touches, decorated with intricate details such as antique paraphernalia and vintage industrial pulley sconces adding bits of history which now make the bar more of a gentler and quieter place to grab a drink after-work or on the weekends.
The hand-laid mosaic floor is eye-catching as you enter – it acts as a foyer while you stop to determine where is the best place to sit. The comfy, brown antique armchairs stand out and the ‘man-cave’ has a couple to make it a cosy place to sit and chat over a whiskey or two. The colours are mainly blue and white offering a fresh and open-space feel with pops of colour from the greenery and vintage posters.
The bar is set in a gallery style with liquor arranged neatly along the shelves while mint and chilli plants are grown for cocktails. Bar manager Lachie is in charge when it comes to both running the bar and helping to come up with new and innovative recipes for a fresh spin on what is already an extensive cocktail menu.
Muddle Bar’s signature cocktail is the Floral Martini. A quick taste brings forth memories of Turkish Delight. It’s made with lillet, rose water and Esprit de June – a smooth gin with complex floral notes that has even become a favourite among the men.
If you are feeling a little bit ‘classic’, the Old Fashioned is bourbon in orange zest, bitters and a maraschino cherry. Its done just the way it should be.
The Mrs Kensington is a fruity mixture of gin and mango liquor, mango, raspberries and passionfruit muddled and finished off with pineapple and cranberry juice.
For dessert, the Cookies and Cream cocktail is a perfect chocolaty treat.
Tapas are also available for a nibble while dabbling with friends. The Salt & Pepper squid with a wasabi mayonnaise dipping sauce, a Mediterranean trio of dips (olive tapanade, hommus and spicy capsicum) with crusted Turkish bread and the antipasto plate with selected meats, selected cheeses, sundried tomato, olives, grape tomatoes, and biscuits are three delicious, though light, options to choose from and enjoy.
Muddle is a great place to go for a few cocktails with the girls, for a quick drink after work or even a business meeting. Whatever the occasion it is a place made for mature and sophisticated Canberrans who enjoy a really well made drink. Make sure you pop in for one of the cocktails on the extensive list and make friends again with the all-new Muddle Bar!
