Charlie’s of Darwin named in list of top 20 bars to visit in the world

DARWIN’S own Charlie’s rooftop bar has made it onto the list of the Top 20 bars to visit in the world, alongside venues in London, Hong Kong and Berlin, according to UK newspaper The Telegraph.

Owner Rebecca Bullen at Charlie’s bar, which has been named among the top 20 bars in the world. Picture: Che Chorley

DARWIN’S own Charlie’s rooftop bar has made it onto the list of the Top 20 bars to visit in the world, alongside venues in London, Hong Kong and Berlin, according to UK newspaper The Telegraph.

Its article, called “The 20 bars you must visit in 2021”, has Charlie’s of Darwin – which doubles as Darwin’s first gin distillery – listed at number 18.

Owner Rebecca Bullen said she could barely believe her eyes when she saw her bar listed among some of her “bar heroes” from all around the globe.

“We’ve been open not even a year,” she said.

“It means I have to work so much harder to deserve that spot. It’s an impetus for me to do heaps more, encourage my team more.”

Ms Bullen said the news could put Darwin on the map as a destination for interstate and international foodies.

“A bar in Darwin has made a pretty damn good list from an international publication,” she said.

“It presents Darwin as a destination that is a very interesting place for people to visit.”

Owner Rebecca Bullen at Charlie’s bar, which has been named among the top 20 bars in the world. Picture: Che Chorley

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She said since opening her first bar in Darwin – Stone House – four years ago, Darwin had evolved a lot in terms of its dining and drinking culture.

“We’ve grown in our sophistication, embracing local flavours more, embracing what we have and what we can get access to,” Ms Bullen said. “Laksa Fest is a great example of what we can do, that’s something to be proud of.”

And, what does it take to become a world-renowned bar?

Ms Bullen says it’s all in the people. “It doesn’t matter if you’re the coolest bar in the world, if you don’t get great service and passionate people it doesn't matter,” she said.

“I’m fairly well-travelled around the world. I love bars where you can sit at the bar and talk to the bartender.

“When you can say to them ‘I love that drink, what else can you recommend?’. ”

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Ms Bullen said the success was achieved with the support of her team and punters.

“While I am the founder and spokesperson, I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team,” she said.

The only other Australian bar to make the list was Maybe Sammy in Sydney.

Penicillin in Hong Kong, Zeroliq in Berlin, the BKK Social Club in Bangkok and The Connaught in London were also among the top 20.