The Spice Cellar

Did you ever think you’d see the day when Martin Place’s Wine Banq was pushing cutting edge electronic music alongside its cocktails? Well, that day has come. Sort of. The Banq site, which had been sitting empty for quite some time, was recently reborn as the Spice Cellar.

Sydney DJ Murat Killic teamed up with his Reckless Republic comrade, club promoter Warren Faulkner, and marketing maven Rebecca Alder to create a much-needed halfway point between bar hopping and clubbing for the city’s nightlife enthusiasts. They’ve given it a dark, sleek fitout to complement the bar’s low ceilings and as you spiral underground, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were slipping into an edgy and underground Berlin haunt.

Since the trio opened their doors in September, the Spice Cellar's impressive sound system has been given a workout by Simon Baker, Terrence Parker, Vincenzo and Simon Caldwell amongst others, and champion of the deep, Burnski, is set to make an appearance on Saturday 19 November. Weekly after hours club night SPICE, the signature party of the Reckless Republic team, was the obvious first cab off the rank for a regular night, but something tells us there is many a boundary-pushing party still to some.

Lovers of an early evening cocktail fear not: this is certainly not just a bar for the kick-on crew. From Wednesday through Sunday, you’ll find a mix of hipsters, dance-music aficionados, and the corporate crowd propping up the bar. Porteno’s Julien Serna has shaken up the cocktail list and chef Aaron Teece, formerly or Est. and Aria, is on food duties, and they have done an exceptional job.

Whether you stop by Spice Cellar at 4pm or 4am, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for.