Four Black Pearl Alumni Are Opening a New CBD Bar Called Fancy Free

Fitzroy's Black Pearl has long been considered one of Australia's greatest cocktail bars, so it was only a matter of time before a few of its talented alumni teamed up to carry on the legacy and make some cocktail history of their own.

Having all met at the ionic Fitzroy bar and boasting over 50 years experience between them, Chris Hysted-Adams, Rob Libecans, Matthew Stirling and Ryan Noreiks are now gearing up for the launch of their first joint venture. Fancy Free will be a neighbourhood-style bar — it's slated to open later this year at a yet-to-be-disclosed location in the CBD.

It's been a long-held dream for the four to pool their talents to open a bar of their own, explains Hysted-Adams, adding that the team is "kind of like the Avengers, but with drinks".

At Fancy Free, wine, beer and food are each set to play starring roles alongside cocktails, which is undoubtedly where the team's expertise lies.

While an opening date is yet to be announced, the boys are happy to give us all a sneak peek, taking the Fancy Free concept on a nationwide 'teaser' tour. They've lined up collaborations with Tasmania's Dark Mofo, Saville Row in Brisbane, the Sydney's burger and booze slingers Mary's and Melbourne's own Ramblr in late July.

Fancy Free is set to open later this year. For more info on the national tour, jump over to the fancyfreebar.com.au.