Perched above Manuka’s Franklin Street is Polit Bar, a venue that likes to inject a dose of fun into the Canberra bar scene.
Opened in July 2013 but states, tongue in cheek, “established 1927”, the intimate bar carries history, occupying the space that was formerly The Julep Lounge, Tulip Lounge and The Vinyl Room.
Take the fairy-lights studded steps up past black velvet curtains and you’ll find yourself in a cosy bar with a glam fitout. Think sparkling chandeliers, gold chains separating comfortable booths, a baby piano, a bookcase and three well-stocked shelves that make up the back bar.
“The approach is to be fun and friendly,” Co-Owner Mary-Jane Liddicoat explains. “It’s about what makes you feel comfortable.” Aside from being a serious cocktail bar, this winner of Australian Bartenders Awards ‘Cocktail Bar of the Year 2014 ACT Winner’ holds regular events such as burlesque, piano nights, jazz, cabaret, and tranny trivia hostess nights.
Polit Bar’s drinks list is a comprehensive booklet with over 30 Classic Cocktails and 7 Polit Favourites. We counted around 78 whiskies, a collection that grew organically over time and over 20 gins including Australian Gin.
Cocktails follow the classics without much deviation and are popular with the 25 to 65 demographic the bar attracts, along with politicians and journalists. The Japanese Slipper is a popular choice along with the Martini, Sazerac and Blood and Sand. From the Polit Favourites comes the Charlie Sheen, a “Handle with Care” house creation of bourbon, rum, marmalade bitters and drunken cherries, as well as dessert and caffeine-fuelled cocktails to see you through the early hours.
The bar is licensed until 4.00am and food is available until closing time with homemade and hearty dishes such as Italian meatballs, ravioli along with dips and cheese boards.
Polit Bar is the kind of venue that welcomes you like a regular on your first visit. Despite its political-themed name, it’s a place for good classic cocktails and letting your hair down in the capital city.
Polit Bar
Address: Level 1, 8 Franklin Street, Manuka, Canberra ACT
Phone: 02-6162-2947, 0410-931-008
Hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-midnight+ & Fri-Sat 4pm-2am+ & Sun before public hols
licensed to 4am – call before midnight if you’re on the way
Website: www.politbar.co
