- 2023 Bar Team of the Year Finalist
First entering the list in 2022 at number 37, this neighbourhood bar has climbed a whopping 25 places and rightfully so.
Expect handcrafted cocktails inspired by music, with each drink based on iconic popular culture references, while there is also a curated wine list and a rotating special cocktail on draught.
The venue is walk-ins only, which is expected from most neighbourhood bars, and it operates from Wednesday through to Saturday from 4pm until 11pm.
Notable serves have included Little By Little made with Beefeater 24 Gin, olive vermouth, garden pea and meadowsweet (inspired by Dusty Springfield); the Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, made with Maker’s Mark Whiskey, bitter orange, blackcurrant and elderflower soda (inspired by Cher); and the Two Doors Down made using Tapatio Tequila, peach wine, ginger and southern sweet tea (Dolly Parton).
Other interesting serves have also included My Jamaican Guy, made using Hibiscus Veritas Rum, vermouth blend and Grapefruit (inspired by Grace Jones); the Dreamboat Annie, with Boatyard Gin, violet and lemon cordial and sparkling wine (Heart Anne and Nancy Wilson); and Hello Sunshine, with Sunshine Vodka, oats and raisin and espresso (Aretha Franklin).
Also worth mentioning is the high design of the cocktail menu itself, which is graphically designed and set out as a series of picture editorials. Previous menus have highlighted women in music, TV and history with future menus to follow suit.
Couch’s interior is clean and spacious with stools at the bar and bistro tables dotted around the main bar area.
The team are expertly trained and clued up on all things drinks and Couch making them a finalist for Bar Team of the Year 2023.
