First on the menu at this trendy Melbourne cocktail bar is “bad banter and cocktails.” Immediately, renowned mixologist Hayden Scott Lambert sets the tone for his latest venture, a minimalistic speakeasy that serves only 25 or so craft cocktails.

Unlike most cocktail bars, Lambert takes a muted approach, choosing an intimate 12-seat island-bar as his canvas for serving drinks. Specialties include speakeasy staples like the Old Fashioned along with the barman’s own boozy concoctions like “The HSL Special”— a blend of Amaro Montenegro, crème de mûre, absinthe, fresh lime juice and a pinch of sugar.

Of course, finding the bar can be tricky. Just a hint: guests will need to locate a hidden back door at the bar BeerMash. Don’t worry, it’s worth the hassle.

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