Kate Dinning: Darwin venues Monsoons, Hot Tamale, Johnn Johnns under renovation

It seems there’s a few tropical summer transformations happening around town as we lead back into the Dry – so Kate Dinning set out to investigate.

If you’ve walked down Mitchell Street or the Waterfront lately, you might’ve noticed a few ‘closed for renovations’ signs.

It seems there’s a few tropical summer transformations happening around town as we lead back into the Dry – so I set out to investigate.

As I am sure you read this week: let’s start with Monnies.

Monsoons was actually first established as a cinema in the 1980s – but in recent years has been a late-night party bar.

The upgrade features new walls painted by artist Aurora Campbell, bookable VIP booths,

dancing platforms and an upgraded bar – and in good news for the hip pocket – $3 tacos on Thursdays and Saturdays, and $1 wings on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Next door at Wisdoms – we’re all going to have to wait a little longer to discover what awaits us behind the temp fencing, as the Wizzies team was not ready to share it with me yet.

Johnn Johnn's getalo store in the Darwin CBD.

Around the corner at fan-favourite ice creamery Johnn Johnns, you can expect a little more wholesome fun.

The plan is to bring more of the community into the venue, so when it reopens next Friday, you can expect a fresh lick of paint and a more family-friendly space with a dedicated kids section, new baby change area, and of course – ice cream.

The Waterfront has had a lot going on in terms of renovations – most of the venues on the Southwest side have been getting airconditioning upgrades.

But never fear – you can now dine back in at Chow, Fiddlers and Wharf One (some have even returned with new menu items) and Bella and Urban Spice are reopening soon too.

A spread of food from Hot Tamale.

The big upgrades, though, will be seen from Hot Tamale; with renovations to include a brand-new kitchen, more banquet seating, and a different indoor layout – and from what I have heard – big vibes.

You’ll be able to check that out when it reopens towards the end of the month.

Darwin Bagel Co space.

Over to another venue by the water: the Darwin Bagel Co pop-up emerged last Dry Season at the Aquascene Fish Feeding, and it is currently undergoing a transformation, too.

The new venue will feature a fresh design, a new kitchen, and a liquor licence to open it up for evening dining too – keep your eyes peeled for that at the end of April.

There’s also a bit of movement in the retail space -with Stomp Shoes soon embarking on a move down the street to a bigger venue – and today, All About Party Hire is opening its

brand-new showroom and warehouse in Winnellie.

A shout out to all the venues continually investing in upgrades and progress – get around them and support local businesses where you can.

I’ve also got the intel on another new cafe, an inventive bar and a brand-new party space that are coming soon … stay tuned, Darwin!

Originally published as Kate Dinning: Darwin venues Monsoons, Hot Tamale, Johnn Johnns under renovation