Now Open: Baptist Street Rec. Club Is Honouring Offbeat Aussie Pubs with Nostalgic Cocktails and Thai Bites
Serving up retro cocktails and Thai small bites, this throwback neighbourhood bar overflows with Australiana from yesteryear.
Fresh from launching Island Radio on Wunderlich Lane, House Made Hospitality is back with the addition of a new cocktail-focused venue – Baptist Street Rec. Club. You won't have to travel far to find it, with a secret stairway tucked into Island Radio guiding you to this newly opened neighbourhood bar. Despite the short distance the vibe shift is obvious, as you move from a tropical oasis to a space bursting with nostalgia-infused Australiana.
Celebrating the offbeat spirit of laid-back pubs and clubs in the 1980s and 90s, casting your eye along the walls reveals a plethora of throwback odds and ends, from gig flyers to magazine ads. Inspired by the Aussie pub aesthetic of yesteryear, the decor is just as retro, with dusty orange carpet, warm wood panelling and exposed brick striking a carefree mood as DJs serve up vinyl hits beneath the disco ball.
Nostalgia is certainly a driving force, but don't think Baptist Street Rec. Club begins and ends there. Dan Cramsie (Clam Bar, Pepito's, Double Deuce Lounge) has helped deliver a bar menu that pushes the boundaries without overstepping the mark. Across rotating specials and daily staples, long-standing gems and seasonal ideas make up a cocktail menu designed to stimulate both enthusiasts and casuals alike.
The Japanese Slipper features native finger lime and yuzucello, while the White Russian combines burnt butter vodka with maple cream. Things take a more creative turn with a Breakfast Martini that sees spiced pineapple marmalade finished with a toast garnish. As for seasonal options, head along soon to avoid missing the Beetroot Negroni or the tangy Earl Grey Fizz, with floral gin, almond, tea and lemon.
"We don't want to overcomplicate the bar experience. It's about balancing comfort and familiarity with a touch of creativity, so there's something for everyone," says Cramsie. "In a time when we're all feeling the squeeze, we want this bar to be an escape from the rat race. You're at Baptist Street Rec. Club for a good time, and the great drinks are a bonus."
A solid feed hasn't been overlooked either, with Bangkok Dreaming coming to the corner of Baptist and Cleveland Streets. Riffing on the questionable Thai food served in Aussie pubs a few decades ago, small bites like crab betel leaves, spring rolls and money bags are served alongside larger share platters. Meanwhile, the Trophy Room feels just right for private events and celebrations with 750 local sports trophies glued to the ceiling.
Baptist Street Rec. Club is open from Tuesday–Thursday from 4pm–12am and Friday–Saturday from 4pm–2am on the corner of Baptist and Cleveland Street, Redfern.
Images: Steven Woodburn / The M1 Group.
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