Funky Bar Review

Review By Kelly Teng

There are two ways the word "funky" can be perceived: first, as something that's just a little bit off, or second, as something that is just the right amount of quirky to make it stand out. Thankfully, Funky Bar in Newtown is the latter. After undergoing three weeks of renovation to transform the venue from a deli/cafe to a cocktail bar, Funky has most definitely taken its name very literally. From the moment you enter the venue, you are greeted with a live band playing at the door, stylish patterned wallpaper, an open kitchen, and a bubbly waiter or waitress who will seat you accordingly.

The design of the venue is almost like a hallway, with a bar on one side, restaurant-esque tables on the other, and a lounge at the end that can be hired out for private functions. If you're looking for somewhere to sit, head for the lounge up the back - not only does it have a more intimate feel with couches and individual seats, but the cushions on the seats also flip over and transform into a table for those busy nights when you don't know where to put your drink.

And speaking of drinks, Funky Bar has taken funkiness to their cocktails as well. With a manager who has more than a decade of experience in flair bartending, the new menu features an eclectic mix of cocktails which you won't find anywhere else - literally. All the syrups are handmade, and the drinks are unique creations I have never even seen at other venues. The bartenders take care in not only the presentation, but the taste of the drinks as well; often they will try a bit of the drink to make sure it tastes just right.

If you're after something sweet, try the Fairy Floss Martini (yes, with real fairy floss on top!) or the Citrus Hubba Bubba (with handmade Hubba Bubba syrup). For coffee lovers, there's an Espresso martini with Frangelico and Bailey's, and for those who want a drink with potent alcohol, The Zombie with five different types of rum will do the trick. If you want to cleanse your palette, try Funky's take on the Ernest Hemingway cocktail, or if you just want an awesome looking drink then choose from four different blazers. The cocktails are very reasonably priced at $16 (blazers are $20), and Funky does a Cocktail of the Day for $12. There are also base spirits available for $7, but my honest advice here is to stick to the cocktails - they look great, and taste even better.

Funky does't just do cocktails though - the food here is to die for. Offering a range of tapas (between $12 and $16) and main meals (averaging $25), there is enough here to get your mouth watering. Zucchini fries are a new take on the classic French fries and definitely worth trying; alternatively the lamb skewers make for a great bite. The menu is designed to go with the drinks, so if you're unsure then ask one of the staff for recommendations.

With such an eclectic mix of drinks and food, Funky Bar also attracts an eclectic mix of people. As the venue is situated in Newtown, patrons range from university students finishing the day on a high note to mid-30s wanting to grab some tapas and a drink on a Friday night. The atmosphere is intimate and the live music (which features every day except Monday) gives the venue a soulful vibe that will make you want to stay for hours. And for all you romantics out there, the lounge is a great place to go on a first date and enjoy yourself in a cosy setting.

The one downside to Funky Bar is that the venue is currently only licensed to open until midnight, however hopefully this will be extended in the future. For now, though, swing by Funky Bar before a night on the town, and enjoy yourself with great food and drinks, wonderful staff, and a truly funky (in a good way!) experience.

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