Finding this place is as easy as saying: it's the bar in the building that looks over Section 8 (one of the best known open space bars in the city - old shipping containers recycled). The entrance is a few strides down Tattersalls Lane off Lonsdale Street and you have to climb a few flights of stairs to get to the bar itself but it is well worth that stride. The ambience of the place, which has a few discrete cubby holes both inside and out of the main bar for larger groups or chain smokers, is urban chic. Perfect for a private party. Rendered exposed brick walls, sliding glass windows that allow drinkers to let in the city night air, a wall of propaganda posters of a bygone era, and lamps built from second hand industrial waste (including an old car headlight and a theatre light), it is not surprising the place appeals to tattoo-adorned buff hipsters. So fit.
This bar was considered good enough to be rated as a favourite for a return visit by the crew. We were delighted to find the old beer barrels and uncomfortable high stools from the previous visit had been replaced by a few long tables and slightly less comfortable unmatched seats. Even better was the well-priced jugs of beer, perfect for the beginning of a night that was kicking on at a live music gig for some of us. Only three of us were brave enough to sample the Sausage King's frankfurter snacks, the only food available on the nibble menu - tasty stuff and a bit rude.
Friendly bar staff, also well-pierced and etched with fine ink artistry (and buns of steel), were attentive without being overly intrusive. Excellent jazz influenced music kept us swaying through our conversation though we moved onto our next venue before the DJ began his set to spin different tunes.
Verdict: Highly recommended.
