Banning adults-only hotels is insane. Most children are intolerable

Price wars, cheap airfares and stiff competition for Qantas: What can Aussies expect from the new Virgin Australia?

Sky News AU

4 hours ago

Sky News AU

Price wars, cheap airfares and stiff competition for Qantas: What can Aussies expect from the new Virgin Australia?

Australia's second largest airline is heading back on the market for the first time since it fell into administration in 2020. Virgin Australia last week finally unveiled initial public offering plans after years of rumours and reports. The carrier confirmed it was offering 30.2 per cent of the company, or $685 million for $2.90 per share, up for grabs from June 24. Australian travellers, the local travel sector and investors are now fixated on exactly what can be expected from the new iteration of Virgin Australia. Virgin's international expansion Virgin Australia returns to the ASX with the backing of one of the world's best regarded carriers as it ventures onto lucrative international routes. Qatar Airways purchased a 25 per cent stake in Virgin and earlier this month began wet-leasing aircraft to the Australian airline, meaning Virgin could use Qatar's planes and staff on its flights. Flight Centre's CEO Graham Turner said Qatar Airways backing Virgin had 'solidified' the airline as it looked to compete with Qantas and the National Carrier's partner Emirates on routes to Europe. 'The airline industry is one where you do need deep pockets and I think that Qatar really offers some serious security there,' Mr Turner told Qatar Airways' additional capacity to Australia via Virgin comes almost two years after Transport Minister Catherine King controversially blocked extra capacity for the carrier. The Albanese government's ties with Qantas, which opposed the flights, came under intense scrutiny as the decision to block the extra capacity came at a time when sky high airfares plagued Aussies travellers. Labor, alongside the Foreign Investment Review Board, approved Qatar's stake in Virgin earlier in the year, boosting hopes for cheaper airfares and more vibrant aviation competition in Australia. The expertise and massive size of Qatar's fleet, which is often ranked as one of the world's top airlines, is considered essential for Virgin's European expansion. 'Having a partner like Qatar that's obviously heavily committed to the Australian international market, particularly to Europe and the UK, is going to be a really positive thing for Virgin here,' Mr Turner said. Virgin is also expected to benefit from a massive investment by Qatar for 210 widebody Boeing aircraft. The editor in chief of aviation website 42 Thousand Feet, Geoffrey Thomas, said the additional aircraft would enable Virgin to relaunch trans-Pacific and Asian routes alongside European flights. 'With Qatar Airways and their buying power … I see them as being a real rock of Gibraltar, if you like, for Virgin,' Mr Thomas told 'In the recent order for about 130 B787s, I see a number of those, possibly 20, making their way to Virgin as part of a bulk buying. 'That will help Virgin relaunch to Asia, relaunch the United States and become a true international airline in its own right.' However, not all are convinced Qatar's involvement with Virgin will send it skyrocketing. Morningstar analyst Angus Hewitt, who has argued Virgin's IPO is overvalued, said the collaboration with Qatar 'does not mean much at all'. He noted Virgin will get some commission and a fixed fee from Qatar, but this would be offset by the cost of selling and delivering the flights. 'The actual earnings impact of the Qatar long haul agreement is going to be negligible,' Mr Hewitt said on Sky News' Business Now. The major value of the agreement, Mr Hewitt argued, came from the boost to Virgin's frequent flyer program Velocity. 'It makes Velocity a more formidable competitor to Qantas Frequent Flyer,' he said. Cheaper airfares? Aussie travellers have been desperate for cheaper domestic and international flights since the pandemic. But whether travellers see Virgin wage a price war with Qantas after it goes public remains up in the air. Virgin's decline throughout the 2010s and subsequent collapse in 2020 was partly due to the airline's former CEO John Borghetti toughing it out against ex-Qantas boss Alan Joyce in a bitter capacity war. A vast oversupply of seats contributed to the carrier facing a decade of red ink across its financial reports and the battle soon came to a halt. The Australian Travel Industry Association's (ATIA) CEO Dean Long told the days of nosediving airfares were long behind us. 'I would love to see a price war, but I think it's highly unlikely,' Mr Long said. 'What both companies have said is that they're comfortable in the marketplace that they're currently playing and I think that means it won't be a market share battle like we saw in the Borghetti-era where he tried to take Virgin to Qantas.' Mr Turner was hopeful for heightened competition between the airlines but noted Australians continued to see stable capacity levels despite the fall of short-lived budget carrier Bonza last year and Rex withdrawing from inter-city routes. 'As more capacity comes on, we think the airfares will tend to become more competitive,' he said. Mr Thomas was adamant Virgin going public will pose 'serious competition' for Qantas, but the Flying Kangaroo's Project Sunrise plans, where it will fly directly from Australia's east coast to London and New York, puts it ahead of Virgin. 'It'll be competition, but it'll be healthy competition and I think it would just help to grow the market,' he said. Qantas in March once again postponed the start of Project Sunrise to 2027, delaying the start time for when the National Carrier's on-order A350-1000 jets will operate the 20-hour flights. It follows the start date being delayed in early 2024 as the flights were initially slate to kick off in 2025. Virgin's share price Every company strives for profit whether they are public or private, but the presence of shareholders and the pressure to push up a share price can weigh on a business. Qantas' share price more than doubled since October 2023 but its value took a 28 per cent whack in the preceding three months when the mountain of reputational scandals rained hell on the carrier. The National Carrier illegally sacking staff and fraudulent sales practices, all while posting a record profit in the 2023 financial year, caught up with the airline and its shareholders. Mr Thomas said the Virgin executives should keep Qantas' tumultuous behaviour both during and after the pandemic in mind as it undergoes its revamp. 'Where Qantas probably got too entrenched in shareholder value and less about consumer concern, I think will be a very valuable lesson for Virgin,' he said. Travel industry figures are hoping Virgin going public could spark a positive change as it looks to deliver long-term profitability. Mr Long said the team at ATIA wanted the carrier to shift from a private equity mindset towards an attitude where it has to generate a solid return to bolster shareholder value. 'We're hopeful that as it becomes listed there should be some improvements in fleet and some improvements on some of the ground product and how they work with corporate Australia,' he said. The Flight Centre boss also stressed the carrier will need to deliver a 'very competitive' product compared to Qantas to ensure its share price can thrive. 'I think most executive teams and Virgin's, I'm sure knowing them, realise that service standards have to come up to a certain level and so that's important for the share price as much as the profitability,' Mr Turner said. But Virgin may not only have Qantas to worry about as it seeks to drive its stock price. This is a point Morningstar analyst Angus Hewitt makes in his company's report where the financial services firm argues Virgin's value is $2.60 rather than the $2.90 IPO. 'We don't think there will be only two airlines in Australia forever,' Mr Hewitt said. 'We think Australian airlines are over earning at the moment, and we expect this to attract competition in the medium.' Virgin and Qantas' domination of the domestic aviation space comes after Bonza and Rex both collapsed in 2024. Rex's demise is heavily attributed to its attempt to swoop in on the 'Golden Triangle' routes of Sydney-Brisbane-Melbourne after it purchased B737s off Virgin when it collapsed in 2020. Ruthless anti-competitive behaviour by the major players and an inability to secure slots at better times at Sydney Airport led the company to burn cash just to stay in the skies and ultimately withdraw from the ASX. As to whether Virgin meets a similar fate will be something Australians cautiously watch.

Twenty must-visit bars in the world's top cities (plus five in Australia)

Sydney Morning Herald

5 hours ago

Sydney Morning Herald

Twenty must-visit bars in the world's top cities (plus five in Australia)

The Thai capital is all about rooftop bars, and not just any rooftop – we're talking sky-high rooftops, hundreds of metres above the honk and glitter of the Bangkok streets. One of the best of these is Sky, an open-air bar on the 63rd floor of the Lebua building, a place jam-packed with wow factor from the moment you step out of the lift. The views up here are incredible, of course, perched as you are 250 metres above the ground. At night, Bangkok's bright lights just seem to stretch on forever. The cocktails are tasty too, if a little on the pricey side for BKK. 1055 Si Lom Road, Si Lom; see Dublin, Ireland Bar 1661 The chances of stumbling upon Bar 1661 accidentally are slim to none, but this Dublin bar stands head-and-shoulders above the rest. Though the impeccable cocktails are made with quirky components such as miso butter, dehydrated chillies and bone marrow, there's zero pretentiousness – just well-worn bar stools, dark walls and chatty bartenders. The star ingredient is poitin, the once-banned Irish moonshine, so try that in their signature Belfast Coffee, where it's shaken with cold brew, cream and nutmeg. 1 – 5 Green Street, Dublin; see Buenos Aires, Argentina Bar Britanico 'Bar' and 'cafe' are used interchangeably in Buenos Aires, which has hundreds of local corner venues for soft and strong drinks. Many have Italian and Spanish connections, but Britanico is one of the few surviving joints with ties to the British presence. These days it's open to allcomers, and is a place to come by day for good cortado or a bottle of beer and, in the evening, enjoy wine or vermouth and perhaps a meal. A few years ago, the bar was threatened with closure, but locals protested, and it was mercifully saved. With chequerboard tiles, windows on the street and calm lighting inside, it's a classic BA experience. Brasil 399, San Telmo, Buenos Aires; see Copenhagen, Denmark La Banchina The Danish capital isn't short of cool cocktail and craft beer joints, but nothing feels quite as quintessentially Copenhagen as laid-back La Banchina, a wine bar/cafe/restaurant on the Refshaleoen waterfront. Behind a small, blue-painted shack lies a large al fresco area where the sunny wooden dock is particularly popular (handy for taking dips in the harbour), though you may prefer a quieter, shadier spot amid the raised beds. To drink? An organic, flower-topped spritz or bottle of natural wine, ideally enjoyed as the sun sets across the water. Refshalevej 141, 1432 Copenhagen; 00 45 31 26 65 61; see Los Angeles, US The Spare Room, Hollywood Roosevelt Generally, hotel bars are rather sad places. But not so in Los Angeles. Here, many of the very best bars can be found in the city's upmarket hotels, from the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel to the Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower. But the best of them all has to be The Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt. Hidden away within the storied hotel, it has plenty of old-school Tinseltown charm, with dark wood panelling, sultry lighting and vintage bowling lanes. Go with friends and order one of their potent punch bowls. 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles; see Jigger and Pony This convivial, low-lit haunt was part of the wave of bars and restaurants that opened in the early 2010s and made the world sit up and take notice of Singapore as a competitive culinary destination. Though beginning as an independent spot, as its fortunes rose (it's now No. 5 on The World's 50 Best Bars), it moved into the more sultry confines of the Amara hotel, yet it retains a welcoming, cosy ambience. The magazine-like menu features helpful photos of each creation – try the Smashing Sundae, a delicious, fruity take on a milk punch. 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore; see Cape Town, South Africa Planet Bar Planet Bar is not exactly traditional, nor is it hip. It's the heart of the posh and locally loved 'Nellie' – the Mount Nelson, a pink confection of a hotel, with white trellised balconies and riotous flowerbeds, contemporary African art and antiques salvaged from the Union-Castle Line it once serviced. Charming waiters have been unruffling feathers here for more than a century, and deep, comfortable chairs house interesting, even famous, guests – local fashionistas, film directors and more. 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town; see Edinburgh, Scotland Cafe Royal Edinburgh The good folk of Edinburgh have been frequenting this little changed, outrageously ornate example of Victorian decorative excess just off Princes Street since the 1860s. It's always been the place for celebrations, commiserations or just gazing awestruck at acres of mahogany and gilded plasterwork, but there have never been social boundaries here, reflected in stained-glass portrayals of Edinburgh trades and Royal Doulton tiles portraying its great inventors. Blend in with oysters and a glass of champagne and feel the glow. 19 West Register Street, Edinburgh; see Barcelona, Spain Caribbean Club The trend for 'secret' cocktail bars hidden behind fridges and broom cupboards continues apace in Barcelona, but the original speakeasy is still the best. Caribbean Club, hidden behind a wooden door down an El Raval alley, calls itself a 'ronería' – a rum bar – and it stocks an enviable selection, though really you can order whatever you fancy. Styled as a cabin on an old-time cruise ship, it's a cosy bolthole just off La Rambla but a million nautical miles away. Carrer de les Sitges, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona; 34 933 02 21 82; no website Miami, US Sweet Liberty With its cocktail program by homegrown mixology vanguard, the late great John Lermayer, Sweet Liberty is a laid-back neighbourhood spot in South Beach. It kicks up the energy late at night with an eclectic lineup of DJs and live music, but there's always space to tuck away for a more relaxed night out. A favourite among locals and visitors alike, the airy, high-ceilinged space is inviting, with an industrial vibe softened by palm tree-patterned wallpaper. Recommended is Sweet Liberty's pina colada, made with three different rums, coconut cream and Jamaican coffee, and you can't visit without an order of their addictive cauliflower nachos. 237-B 20th Street, Miami Beach; Paris, France Paris has no shortage of slinky drinking spots, but the refined Bar Josephine at Mandarin Oriental Lutetia is a favourite for a special treat. It feels quintessentially Parisian, thanks in part to its location in the historic heart of the Left Bank. Past patrons included Picasso, Cocteau and legendary cabaret star Josephine Baker, after whom it is named – and today it continues to attract a glitzy literary crowd. The fabulously restored art nouveau setting, including an exquisite 1910 mural, helps set the tone. Crucially, the cocktails are simply top-notch. Maestro mixologist Angelo Forte presides over a menu blending classics and more daring contemporary creations. 45 Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris; see Mexico City, Mexico Zinco Jazz Club Mexico City is, famously, massive, and downtown can feel a bit unfriendly after dark. But a jazz bar is almost always the kindest – as well as the coolest – place to go in a new town. Zinco is a dimly lit, sultry venue housed inside a former bank vault, dating to the 1930s. Red drapes behind the stage and black decor make the ambience feel classy and opulent. It's a showcase for local as well as visiting jazz bands and has an impressively busy roster. There are small tables with food service, but you may prefer to perch yourself by the corner of the bar, enjoy a slow mojito or premium mezcal and a quesadilla. Calle de Motolinia 20, Centro Historico, Centro, Mexico City; see Hong Kong, China Captain's Bar, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has no shortage of fantastic bars, including nine entries in the 2024 edition of the 50 Best Bars in Asia, but the place that best embodies the city's long cosmopolitan history is the Captain's Bar at the Mandarin Oriental. It is a classic hotel bar, a windowless ruby red box, with low lighting and deep leather armchairs, that has barely changed since the 1980s. The Captain's Bar eschews fads in favour of bartenders dressed in black dickie bows, perfectly mixed martinis and draught beers served in silver tankards (which regulars can have engraved). The live jazz music in the evenings only adds to the timeless vibe. 5 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong; see Five of Australia's best bars Caretakers Cottage, Melbourne In a city where black is always the new black, this diminutive city boozer and its Gothic-revival, bluestone setting is a masterclass in Melbourne-ness. Close quarters mean you'll soon be chatting with regulars about vintage vinyl rarities and drink picks: Guinness on tap or their gloriously glacial house martini? There's no wrong decision. See Maybe Sammy, Sydney You feel instantly at home at Maybe Sammy, which is perhaps what sets it apart from your average bar. Yes, the cocktails here are uber-creative and served with flair, drinks with smoke and bubbles and imaginative blends of high-end ingredients. The food is tasty too. But it's the warmth of the welcome, the easy friendliness of the service, that makes Maybe Sammy Sydney's best. See Loading Mary Mary, Hobart Trust us when we tell you: you have to try the rum Manhattan at Mary Mary. It's crazy good. The bar blends three rums – Mount Gay Black Barrel, Bacardi Reserva Ocho and Plantation Overproof – and ages it in beeswax-coated jars, before serving it high with Pedro Ximenez sherry. Perfection. The historic sandstone walls and charming service just add to the allure. See The Gresham, Brisbane Lovers of fine spirits, rejoice. The Gresham has shelves stacked with some of the finest, rarest bottles around, particularly whisky: try a Balvenie 21-year-old, a Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23, an Old Pulteney 25, an Ichiro's Malt Double Distilleries, or dig into the huge ranges of Australian and American whiskies. And then prepare to indulge in stylish surrounds. See Maybe Mae, Adelaide Another indecisive bar name, another excellent bar. Maybe Mae is surely South Australia's leading cocktail bar, with a menu that's broken into four parts: 'From the Market', featuring seasonal produce; 'From the Cellar', using aged juices and preserves; 'Hall of Fame', the bar's most popular; and 'Non-Alcoholic', which gets deserved attention. Grab a dark, leather-bound booth here and soak up the sophistication. See

The Age

5 hours ago

The Age

Twenty must-visit bars in the world's top cities (plus five in Australia)

The Thai capital is all about rooftop bars, and not just any rooftop – we're talking sky-high rooftops, hundreds of metres above the honk and glitter of the Bangkok streets. One of the best of these is Sky, an open-air bar on the 63rd floor of the Lebua building, a place jam-packed with wow factor from the moment you step out of the lift. The views up here are incredible, of course, perched as you are 250 metres above the ground. At night, Bangkok's bright lights just seem to stretch on forever. The cocktails are tasty too, if a little on the pricey side for BKK. 1055 Si Lom Road, Si Lom; see Dublin, Ireland Bar 1661 The chances of stumbling upon Bar 1661 accidentally are slim to none, but this Dublin bar stands head-and-shoulders above the rest. Though the impeccable cocktails are made with quirky components such as miso butter, dehydrated chillies and bone marrow, there's zero pretentiousness – just well-worn bar stools, dark walls and chatty bartenders. The star ingredient is poitin, the once-banned Irish moonshine, so try that in their signature Belfast Coffee, where it's shaken with cold brew, cream and nutmeg. 1 – 5 Green Street, Dublin; see Buenos Aires, Argentina Bar Britanico 'Bar' and 'cafe' are used interchangeably in Buenos Aires, which has hundreds of local corner venues for soft and strong drinks. Many have Italian and Spanish connections, but Britanico is one of the few surviving joints with ties to the British presence. These days it's open to allcomers, and is a place to come by day for good cortado or a bottle of beer and, in the evening, enjoy wine or vermouth and perhaps a meal. A few years ago, the bar was threatened with closure, but locals protested, and it was mercifully saved. With chequerboard tiles, windows on the street and calm lighting inside, it's a classic BA experience. Brasil 399, San Telmo, Buenos Aires; see Copenhagen, Denmark La Banchina The Danish capital isn't short of cool cocktail and craft beer joints, but nothing feels quite as quintessentially Copenhagen as laid-back La Banchina, a wine bar/cafe/restaurant on the Refshaleoen waterfront. Behind a small, blue-painted shack lies a large al fresco area where the sunny wooden dock is particularly popular (handy for taking dips in the harbour), though you may prefer a quieter, shadier spot amid the raised beds. To drink? An organic, flower-topped spritz or bottle of natural wine, ideally enjoyed as the sun sets across the water. Refshalevej 141, 1432 Copenhagen; 00 45 31 26 65 61; see Los Angeles, US The Spare Room, Hollywood Roosevelt Generally, hotel bars are rather sad places. But not so in Los Angeles. Here, many of the very best bars can be found in the city's upmarket hotels, from the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel to the Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower. But the best of them all has to be The Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt. Hidden away within the storied hotel, it has plenty of old-school Tinseltown charm, with dark wood panelling, sultry lighting and vintage bowling lanes. Go with friends and order one of their potent punch bowls. 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles; see Jigger and Pony This convivial, low-lit haunt was part of the wave of bars and restaurants that opened in the early 2010s and made the world sit up and take notice of Singapore as a competitive culinary destination. Though beginning as an independent spot, as its fortunes rose (it's now No. 5 on The World's 50 Best Bars), it moved into the more sultry confines of the Amara hotel, yet it retains a welcoming, cosy ambience. The magazine-like menu features helpful photos of each creation – try the Smashing Sundae, a delicious, fruity take on a milk punch. 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore; see Cape Town, South Africa Planet Bar Planet Bar is not exactly traditional, nor is it hip. It's the heart of the posh and locally loved 'Nellie' – the Mount Nelson, a pink confection of a hotel, with white trellised balconies and riotous flowerbeds, contemporary African art and antiques salvaged from the Union-Castle Line it once serviced. Charming waiters have been unruffling feathers here for more than a century, and deep, comfortable chairs house interesting, even famous, guests – local fashionistas, film directors and more. 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town; see Edinburgh, Scotland Cafe Royal Edinburgh The good folk of Edinburgh have been frequenting this little changed, outrageously ornate example of Victorian decorative excess just off Princes Street since the 1860s. It's always been the place for celebrations, commiserations or just gazing awestruck at acres of mahogany and gilded plasterwork, but there have never been social boundaries here, reflected in stained-glass portrayals of Edinburgh trades and Royal Doulton tiles portraying its great inventors. Blend in with oysters and a glass of champagne and feel the glow. 19 West Register Street, Edinburgh; see Barcelona, Spain Caribbean Club The trend for 'secret' cocktail bars hidden behind fridges and broom cupboards continues apace in Barcelona, but the original speakeasy is still the best. Caribbean Club, hidden behind a wooden door down an El Raval alley, calls itself a 'ronería' – a rum bar – and it stocks an enviable selection, though really you can order whatever you fancy. Styled as a cabin on an old-time cruise ship, it's a cosy bolthole just off La Rambla but a million nautical miles away. Carrer de les Sitges, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona; 34 933 02 21 82; no website Miami, US Sweet Liberty With its cocktail program by homegrown mixology vanguard, the late great John Lermayer, Sweet Liberty is a laid-back neighbourhood spot in South Beach. It kicks up the energy late at night with an eclectic lineup of DJs and live music, but there's always space to tuck away for a more relaxed night out. A favourite among locals and visitors alike, the airy, high-ceilinged space is inviting, with an industrial vibe softened by palm tree-patterned wallpaper. Recommended is Sweet Liberty's pina colada, made with three different rums, coconut cream and Jamaican coffee, and you can't visit without an order of their addictive cauliflower nachos. 237-B 20th Street, Miami Beach; Paris, France Paris has no shortage of slinky drinking spots, but the refined Bar Josephine at Mandarin Oriental Lutetia is a favourite for a special treat. It feels quintessentially Parisian, thanks in part to its location in the historic heart of the Left Bank. Past patrons included Picasso, Cocteau and legendary cabaret star Josephine Baker, after whom it is named – and today it continues to attract a glitzy literary crowd. The fabulously restored art nouveau setting, including an exquisite 1910 mural, helps set the tone. Crucially, the cocktails are simply top-notch. Maestro mixologist Angelo Forte presides over a menu blending classics and more daring contemporary creations. 45 Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris; see Mexico City, Mexico Zinco Jazz Club Mexico City is, famously, massive, and downtown can feel a bit unfriendly after dark. But a jazz bar is almost always the kindest – as well as the coolest – place to go in a new town. Zinco is a dimly lit, sultry venue housed inside a former bank vault, dating to the 1930s. Red drapes behind the stage and black decor make the ambience feel classy and opulent. It's a showcase for local as well as visiting jazz bands and has an impressively busy roster. There are small tables with food service, but you may prefer to perch yourself by the corner of the bar, enjoy a slow mojito or premium mezcal and a quesadilla. Calle de Motolinia 20, Centro Historico, Centro, Mexico City; see Hong Kong, China Captain's Bar, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has no shortage of fantastic bars, including nine entries in the 2024 edition of the 50 Best Bars in Asia, but the place that best embodies the city's long cosmopolitan history is the Captain's Bar at the Mandarin Oriental. It is a classic hotel bar, a windowless ruby red box, with low lighting and deep leather armchairs, that has barely changed since the 1980s. The Captain's Bar eschews fads in favour of bartenders dressed in black dickie bows, perfectly mixed martinis and draught beers served in silver tankards (which regulars can have engraved). The live jazz music in the evenings only adds to the timeless vibe. 5 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong; see Five of Australia's best bars Caretakers Cottage, Melbourne In a city where black is always the new black, this diminutive city boozer and its Gothic-revival, bluestone setting is a masterclass in Melbourne-ness. Close quarters mean you'll soon be chatting with regulars about vintage vinyl rarities and drink picks: Guinness on tap or their gloriously glacial house martini? There's no wrong decision. See Maybe Sammy, Sydney You feel instantly at home at Maybe Sammy, which is perhaps what sets it apart from your average bar. Yes, the cocktails here are uber-creative and served with flair, drinks with smoke and bubbles and imaginative blends of high-end ingredients. The food is tasty too. But it's the warmth of the welcome, the easy friendliness of the service, that makes Maybe Sammy Sydney's best. See Loading Mary Mary, Hobart Trust us when we tell you: you have to try the rum Manhattan at Mary Mary. It's crazy good. The bar blends three rums – Mount Gay Black Barrel, Bacardi Reserva Ocho and Plantation Overproof – and ages it in beeswax-coated jars, before serving it high with Pedro Ximenez sherry. Perfection. The historic sandstone walls and charming service just add to the allure. See The Gresham, Brisbane Lovers of fine spirits, rejoice. The Gresham has shelves stacked with some of the finest, rarest bottles around, particularly whisky: try a Balvenie 21-year-old, a Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23, an Old Pulteney 25, an Ichiro's Malt Double Distilleries, or dig into the huge ranges of Australian and American whiskies. And then prepare to indulge in stylish surrounds. See Maybe Mae, Adelaide Another indecisive bar name, another excellent bar. Maybe Mae is surely South Australia's leading cocktail bar, with a menu that's broken into four parts: 'From the Market', featuring seasonal produce; 'From the Cellar', using aged juices and preserves; 'Hall of Fame', the bar's most popular; and 'Non-Alcoholic', which gets deserved attention. Grab a dark, leather-bound booth here and soak up the sophistication. See

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Price wars, cheap airfares and stiff competition for Qantas: What can Aussies expect from the new Virgin Australia?

Twenty must-visit bars in the world's top cities (plus five in Australia)

Twenty must-visit bars in the world's top cities (plus five in Australia)

Banning adults-only hotels is insane. Most children are intolerable

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Try Our AI Features

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Price wars, cheap airfares and stiff competition for Qantas: What can Aussies expect from the new Virgin Australia?

Twenty must-visit bars in the world's top cities (plus five in Australia)

Twenty must-visit bars in the world's top cities (plus five in Australia)

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