Honey Rider

The space is lean and narrow and a little under-utilised. If you miss out on one of the four high tables that run alongside the exposed-brick wall, you might find yourself perched on the row of cramped vintage theatre seats, which force you to either peer at your date sideways, or study the brickwork opposite. A token taxidermy deer head is mounted on the wall, next to a gaggle of empty artwork frames and retro clocks. The couch is comfy but it’s the only one – they’d do well do ditch the theatre seats and invest in another.

 

The drink menus are slipped into the middle of vintage theatre programmes, which are a nice touch and a good read. Fourteen all-Australian wines are listed (plus French Mumm), with eight by the glass. The Kilikanoon grenache rosé ($8) is good value and a nice place to start on a warm afternoon, and the beers on tap (Four Pines, Mountain Goat and a “spare tap” which changes regularly) are well chosen.

Cocktail-wise however, you’d better stick to the beer and wine. Those listed under Staff Favourites, like the Strawberry Stem ($14) - a fatally sweet blend of strawberry liquor, in-house vanilla sugar blend, muddled strawberries and prosecco, reminds us of a Bacardi Breezer, only chunky. The Kiwi Mule ($16), however, is a refreshing dose of vodka, ginger beer, lime and kiwi fruit. The next page lists the classics: the timeless Negroni ($16) is there and so is the Mojito ($16), not to mention the Mai Tai ($18) and Singapore Sling ($18).

 

In the way of snacks there are four pizzas to choose from - the Margherita ($9.50), pepperoni ($12), vegetarian ($9.50) or supreme ($12.50) - although with such a range of eat spots on Military Road, Honey Rider could easily fit the bill for a pre-dinner tipple rather than the main event.