Charlie’s of Darwin: NT businesswoman invests in new CBD rooftop bar and gin distillery

THE top level of the old Woolies building on Knuckey St is set to be transformed into Darwin’s newest hip night spot, featuring a rooftop bar and gin distillery

The Ashford Group Architects impressions of the rooftop bar at Charlie’s of Darwin at the old Woolies centre on Knuckey St. Picture: Randal Ashford of Ashford Group Architects

THE top level of the old Woolies building on Knuckey St is set to be transformed into Darwin’s first gin distillery.

The venue will be called Charlie’s of Darwin.

The gin distillery will be on display for patrons and a rooftop bar overlooking Knuckey St and Raintree Park will make the most of Darwin’s dry season weather.

The design features two bars with plenty of seating to lounge in and admire the hanging garden.

Rebecca Bullen, the brains behind ‘Charlie’s of Darwin’. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The brains behind the plan, Rebecca Bullen, also runs the successful Stone House Wine Bar and Kitchen on Cavenagh St.

The development, which is due to open at the end of the Dry, will add to the now happening space in the Austin Ln and Knuckey St area.

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Ms Bullen has taken the plunge into refitting the top floor of the Woolies centre with the million-dollar fit-out including cutting out part of the roof to open it to the sky.

Ms Bullen said her desire to invest in the space was to provide the “missing jigsaw” in the city’s night-life.

“Darwin is home to me and at the moment this is a missing part of the jigsaw in Darwin’s night-life and I believe the space I’ve chosen will add vibrancy in the city,” she said.

Ms Bullen will focus on cocktails using locally made spirits.

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She hopes to pair the liquor with uniquely Territorian bush foods such as Kakadu plum, quandong and local lemongrass.

Ashford Group Architects have been hired to come up with the designs of the space.