Bench Wine Bar

The south end of King Street boasts some of the most delightfully dingy pubs in the city - the Sando, the Townie, the Union - but popping up like mushrooms under the protective branches of these mighty watering holes is a smattering of small bars, adding a touch of class to the far reaches of Newtown. Following the industrial-style code almost to the letter there are polished metal benches, work lights and charcoal walls. The centerpiece is a series of backlit tubes arranged to look like a giant bunch of grapes while also acting as a nifty wine rack. The lighting changes colour depending on the mood of the staff, but when we visit it's blue lit, giving off a jazz-junkie vibe. On the menu you will find 22 wines, which are mostly Australian and New Zealand varieties, as well as the requisite French option for Champagne drinkers. There are also eight cocktails as well as a handful of bottled beers. By way of bar snacks the marinated olives are a bit of a tease so opt instead for the more substantial options like the pizzetta trio.