Darlinghurst's Lo-Fi to Be Reborn as Cuban Cocktail Joint

Seems this little Sydney balcony bar just can't stop changing outfits. Taylor Square's Lo-Fi is set to be replaced by a brand new Cuban-style cocktail bar. Sandwiched in between Kinselas on the ground floor and The Standard Bowl up top, the soon-to-open Middlebar will strip away the technicolour trappings of its Romance Was Born-designed predecessor, replacing them with warm, earthy timbers and the flavours of Havana.

The Riversdale Group, who own the venue, have tapped bartending gun Lee Potter Cavanagh to design and reside over the drinks list. A multiple award-winner, Potter Cavanagh previously worked as the bar manager at the now defunct Victoria Room. But it was his recent trip to Cuba that inspired the direction of the Middlebar cocktail menu, which is made up primarily of gin-based libations served "without the wank factor of a neo-speakeasy bar."

Live entertainment will be handled by venue manager David 'Rizza' Rozario, who like Cavanagh comes to Middlebar after a long stint at another highly respected Sydney venue — in his case, CBD whisky joint The Baxter Inn. Expect a regular contingent of local DJs plus the occasional international sideshow.

And if the name Middlebar sounds weirdly familiar? It's probably because The Middle Bar was the name of the bar before it became Lo-Fi back in 2010. Circle of life, right?

Located at Level 2, 383 Bourke Street, Taylor Square, Middlebar is due to open on Friday, July 24. Their regular trading hours will be Wednesday – Sunday, 5pm – 3am. For more information, visit their website.