Overview
Not all gin and tonics are created equal, and at Paddington's new spirit-swilling hangout, that couldn't be more accurate. The boozy offshoot of Chinese eatery Sichuan Bang Bang, Bang Bang Bar lets thirsty patrons build their own G&Ts. Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, you can create whatever blend of juniper booze, bitter bubbles and garnish you like in this one.
Choosing from breakfast, pink and shiraz gins, flavoured and standard tonics, and colourful embellishments like rose and peppercorns is only part of Bang Bang Bar's selection, however. In addition, the revamped space on Given Terrace serves up eight different cocktails, many referencing its moniker — like the Bang Fashioned (with rosemary-infused bourbon, grapefruit, bitters and sugar) and the Bangbang Bubble Club (with Calvados, Grand Marnier, Benedectine Dom, Campari and French Champagne).
Food-wise, one-handed Sichuan bites stem from its food-focused neighbour, alongside ten types of pizza — a nod to the previous inhabitants of the already-open bar's spot. When Sichuan Bang Bang first came to Paddo, it was with Pizzeria Violetta. The latter's five bianche-based, five rosse-based slices are now available for BBB's customers.
And, despite sharing its name with the Roadhouse from Twin Peaks, Bang Bang's connection with David Lynch's ace television series is merely coincidental. Rather, Sichuan Bang Bang owner Renata Roberts wanted a space to showcase Australian gin distilleries she discovered on travels through Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania — though the venue's darkly painted ceiling and use of red velvet still sound suitably Lynchian.
Find Bang Bang Bar at 167 Given Terrace, Paddington from 5pm daily. For more information, head to the Sichuan Bang Bang website or Facebook page.