Parlour Wine Room

Editorial

When Parlour opened its doors to a sumptuous interior just a few years ago, you could hear the sigh of relief across the capital. At last, a gentle pace, a quality kitchen and a wine list written with love had met in the one edifice.

And, what an edifice. This high-end bar is housed in the heritage listed Acton Hotel. Proprietors have made the most of a twentieth century interior populating it with eclectic but tasteful aesthetic cues from several eras.

It is not only Parlour's interior architect who is conversant with the beauty of the past. Staff is au fait with the cocktails of the early twentieth century. Here, rather arguably, you will drink Canberra's best martini. You might also ask for an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan and not be looked at as though you are an alien or a relic from a bygone decade.

While classic cocktails are spotlessly shaken and poured, we can hardly overlook the tipple for which the establishment was made. Here a wine list that travels the region, the nation and the world will please buffs. And the tapas should please the peckish.

High style, of course, comes at a reasonably lofty price. But, five minutes in an overstuffed with a local sparkling in hand will cure your worries. Watch your cares float upward along with the fine bead of bubbly.

SM King, April 2010

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