Dinning: Two popular Darwin bars change hands as new owners reveal overhaul plans
Darwin's entertainment scene is buzzing with bottomless brunches, Christmas festivities and major changes to beloved venues like Babylon Bar and Dom's Bar.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND
Kick off today at Sweethearts with a bottomless Hoedown brunch from 1pm to 3pm.
Think Southern Comfort turned tropical, with free-flowing wines, bubbles, sangria, and a Kentucky Buck to keep things interesting – and Dry Society are stepping in for the booze-free options too.
When the clock hits 3pm, the Red Dirt Divas will roll in for a line-dancing session that welcomes absolute beginners, seasoned stompers and anyone in it for the laughs.
Today is also the day you can officially put up your Christmas decorations!
It used to be December 1st in my house, but I know a lot of people traditionally use Christmas Pageant day as the first day of the festive season – so here it is, get out the tinsel.
Smith Street Mall will become the festive heart of the city, from 4pm there will be a Makers Market by Darwin City Retailers Association, then the pageant will roll through from 6pm, just in time for the Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree at 7pm.
If you’re after something a little bit sophisticated, book into a French wine tasting at Moorish on Sunday, built purely around seven remarkable wines, each served in precious 75ml pours.
To continue the Christmas spirit, from next week, the Darwin Waterfront will launch its ‘Sip n Sleigh’ self-guided Christmas Cocktail Trail, which includes four festive cocktails and four small plates that you can mix and match from any participating venue using your drink and food tokens.
NEW HOSPITALITY VENUES
There have been a few hospitality venue changeovers recently, which I am keeping a keen eye on.
The old Deck Bar seems to be getting a new deck, there’s a new restaurant going into the old Bamboo Lounge space in Dinah Beach, too, so stay tuned for the news on that.
Another big one is that the Austin Lane favourite Babylon Bar has changed hands.
I tracked down Tom Morrison, the new owner, to find out his plans for the much-loved CBD bar.
“I’m working to create a community hub where people go without even having to organise any catchups; they already know they’ll find old and new friends here - Meet at Babs!” he said.
Tom is actually a winemaker, so we will see his label, Wilkie Wines, popping up in there, along with other new and fun wines.
He’s also going to focus on music and events.
“I’ve started by introducing live DJs every Saturday and will add more events on other afternoons and evenings as things develop,” he said.
When asking about the iconic décor, Tom said, “I’ll put my own spin on it, but I definitely want to keep it quirky and fun - because that’s what drew me to it in the first place. It really is an iconic Darwin venue in my mind, so I want to keep the legacy going, while bringing in new things as I do.”
I also caught up with Ben, the new owner of Dom’s Bar in Nightcliff.
He plans to keep the venue Territorian, but will lean into creating a cosy atmosphere and returning to some of the classics - both drinks and music.
“I spent my youth in a small village in England, going to pubs where you knew everyone, and it felt like the social part of your own home. So, I always loved the idea of this suburban local bar in Nightcliff,” he said.
And while the bar remains open through some renovations and Ben’s deep research into what the industry and community needs this place to be, there will be an official rename and relaunch in early January.
Apparently, we can expect intriguing new cocktails and small plates.
Stay tuned!
Originally published as Dinning: Two popular Darwin bars change hands as new owners reveal overhaul plans
