The Soul Bar

Editorial

For a place named the Soul Bar, there's unfortunately little about this bar that lives up to the name. Sure, there might be the occasional soul or funk tune on the stereo, or you may spot filet o'sole (yes, it's a stretch) on the specials board. Sadly, you'll have to bring your own merriment if you want more than plastic furniture and odd wall prints. Mind you, with a new food menu of tasty treats and an injection of live music onto the scene, the bar does have a little bit where it counts.

But isn't that what we turn to alcohol for? If there were bars about that were totally stimulating, we wouldn't need beer or wine to soften our surroundings. Luckily, Soul Bar does have a bit of soul where it counts. On tap, you'll find Coopers Sparkling and Pale, Stella, Carlton Draught and more. The banquette seating and various lounges are actually comfortable, so you're likely to head back to the bar for a second or third pint (isn't it great that we all drink pints now?). That's if you're not bent over in stitches from the monthly comedy night.

But, let's not forget the live music. On weekends this bar becomes a focal point for local bands playing a variety of music - jazz, Latin, Reggae, blues, rock, it's all covered. And once a month (the first Sunday) a DJ hits the decks in the afternoon for a lazy Sunday session - just the thing to ease you back into your working week. You know what? For a small bar with boutique booze, a decent menu and live music, this place does have one heck of a soul.
Mark Gambino, August 2008

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