By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier
The recently renovated Bank Hotel in Newtown has revealed a concerted pitch at the inner city music scene, opening a ‘Swinging London’-themed room for live bands – Upstairs at The Bank.
In the partial vacuum that has hovered around the district with iconic music venues the Annandale Hotel, the Sandringham and Lansdowne all experiencing turmoil, Solotel plans to create "a haven for the eclectic, young and dynamic spectrum of Newtown locals".
The fit-out gives a nod to the heady days of London in the 1960s, with low booths clad in dark timber, and walls covered in skulls and crocodile skin.
“Upstairs at The Bank will provide our customers with an offering that is genuine to the Newtown spirit, not comprising on taste or quality and delivering a unique, authentic experience,” says licensee Jake Toivonen.
“Our mission for the Bank was to breathe new life into the King St landmark, whilst respecting the history of the site and the local community.
"We wanted to offer a quality cocktail experience, but done with a Newtown flair. The combination of cocktail bar and live rock music venue provides an interesting fusion.”
The live music forum will be based on original, independent, Australian music from a multitude of genres, hoping to attract the kind of quality-appreciating music devotees for which Newtown is known.
Solotel recently announced the appointment of famed barman and cocktail connoisseur Jeremy Shipley to its ranks, who will be fine-tuning the offering over coming weeks.
The cocktail list features a mix of new creations and old classics, including Negronis made with gin stored in oak barrels, and a Manhattan with agave syrup and chocolate bitters.
The menu also reflects the edgy nature of the venue, offering tempting late-night bar food such as king crab sandwiches and devilled eggs.