Public

Could these be the most comfortable bar stools in town? After sinking into them, dangling our feet and drinking several Margaritas, we say yes. Oh hells yes. The tall, peacock-blue seats horseshoe around the pristine tiled bar at Public, the second bar to be opened by Canvas’s Tom Sanceau and Bonnie Shearston. Expect all the usual trappings of a great cocktail bar – excellent booze, friendly, talented staff and well-made drinks (or they’re just as happy to beer you, if you’d prefer) – and then combine that with a left-of-centre menu. Everyone’s talking about the KFD (Kentucky Fried Duck) but we’re pretty keen to go back for the Texan brisket on a flour tortilla and side of chilli sauce. It’s a huge space with a soon-to-be private dining room upstairs and communal dining table downstairs. It’s nothing short of a massive undertaking but Sanceau and Shearston are nothing if not bloody-minded and bare-knuckle talented at picking the right people to fly the flag. Get in and show your support with some Public displays of affection, Brissie.