Jangling Jack's Is Potts Point's Newest Speakeasy

With Kings Cross bearing more 'For Lease' signs than an estate agent's front window, the area's future as a nightlife hotspot has been looking bleak. So bleak, in fact, that two doco makers have taken it upon themselves to investigate the fallout from the lockout laws.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Places are opening as well as closing — and a few savvy hospitality figures are even looking at the changes as an opportunity for reinvention. Among them are artist Orlan Erin Raleigh and her partner Jon Ruttan, founder and former owner of Mojo Record Bar. Along with consultant Nikita Ward, they've opened Jangling Jack's Bar & Grill at 175 Victoria Street, the spot formerly occupied by Bootleg Bar and Italian Food.

Despite the lockouts, the couple believe quality operators will eventually revolutionise Potts Point. "Jon and I passionately believe that the main street of Kings Cross could be like Bourbon Street in New Orleans, with music and old cinemas," she says. "It's such a strong community vibe up here and the demographic is much older than people realise. It's not an 18-year-old nightclubbing haven anymore. So we set up Jangling Jack's to be a local, calm and mellow place, for people to enjoy dinner and phenomenal drinks."

Starting from scratch, Raleigh and Ruttan built what she describes as their 'dream bar'. "All the design elements are based on our fantasy — where we would want to sit and drink," she days. "There's no theme. It’s more about classic elements. When you step inside, it's that feeling of being transported in time, like in Midnight in Paris. To some people it looks like Louisiana; to others, it looks like Chicago...[or] like Kings Cross in the '30s."

The bar top is made of 120-year-old Australian spotted gum. The stunning lampshades, designed by Raleigh herself, were custom-made in Arkansas. The walls, which look like emerald pressed tin, are dotted with original, 1930s posters of blues musicians. Seating is a mix of booths and high stools, and an eclectic assortment of rugs cover the floor.

The drinks menu doesn't follow a theme, either. This decision was to ensure that Jangling Jack's was an 'everyman's bar', says Raleigh. "We don’t specialise in any particular booze. It's the best of absolutely everything: curated gins, phenomenal scotches and blends, great vodkas." Expect the likes of Four Pillars Gin, the Melbourne Gin Company and West Winds, but don't be surprised if big names like Bombay are missing.

Bar manager Adam Cork (ex-The Hazy Rose) is turning these spirits into classic cocktails with a twist. Take the Tiki's Hummingbird, for example; it's like a margarita, but has a homemade sherbet rim and a touch of orange blossom. Others are tributes to legendary local historical figures, like the Witch of Kings Cross — artist and occultist Rosaleen Norton — and the Juanita Nielsen, named after the publisher and anti-development campaigner who mysteriously disappeared in 1975, never to be found.

Meanwhile, Canadian-born, Creole-trained chef David Ferreira (ex-Fat Rupert's) keeps the kitchen open as late as the bar, with a menu delivering moreish, value-for-money small and medium share plates. There's some delicious gluten-free fried chicken, drizzled in honey butter (for $16), and a hearty lamb roast, as well as a rotating weekly special.

"The idea is that people can come in on a date, have a drink and a snack, and get away for about $50," Raleigh says. "We want it to be the sort of place where you come more than once a week."

You'll find Jangling Jack's at 175 Victoria Street, Potts Point. They're open 4-11pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 4pm-1am Thursday to Saturday, and noon-11pm on Sunday. For more info, visit their Instagram. 

Images: Diana Scalfati