Molly

Taking cues from 19th century British speakeasies, Molly is tucked away up a set of stairs through an assuming door in Odgers Lane in Canberra’s CBD. True to the trope, this place isn’t easy to stumble upon. But once inside, you’re rewarded with a nostalgic room of dark wooden panels, cosy booths and a bar stocked generously with glowing whisky bottles.

As you’d expect from any good speakeasy, the cocktail list is always changing and super creative. The Seneca Breakfast is a combo of bacon-fat-washed rum, burnt-brioche and walnut-maple syrup topped with whipped custard and white chocolate shavings. There are simple concoctions, too. Try the Tattletale with two types of whisky (rye and peated), burnt honey and orange bitters.

A huge selection of both Australian and international drams – from Israel’s Milk & Honey Distillery to Japan’s Nikka – is on offer, and Molly members can store bottles in a private locker in one of the side rooms.

You can also book one of these rooms for a more intimate experience, but the main bar has a lively atmosphere that’s too good to refuse. Jazz acts riff a couple of nights a week, along with a rotation of local pianists (the venue has a grand piano), saxophonists and more.

Although more bar than restaurant, Molly’s has a substantial menu to keep you going till late. Charcuterie boards, butter-poached lobster rolls, and pork-and-prosciutto snag rolls showered in parmesan are a perfect match for Molly's cocktails, and excellent to share among the table.