Black Market is the new bar by the team from Canberra’s speakeasy Molly and the Cuban-themed The Highball Express.
Tucked away beneath A.Baker in NewActon, Black Market occupies the former subterranean location of A.Baker bar. Gone is the industrial look of its predecessor. The intimate space now channels a 1970’s New York style cocktail bar with table service, green leather furnishings, marble top tables, polished brass top and back bar. A tiled mirrored ceiling allows you to watch your drink being made from various angles.
The bar derives its name from the concept of searching for something rare and difficult to find, and looking for it in the black market. The concept extends to the bar’s focus on limited edition and rare spirits as well as innovative cocktail practices. Think fat-washed spirits, infusions and creative garnishes with the occasional theatrics. The aptly-named Neflix & Chill uses butter vodka with caramel popcorn and salt while the Phat Duck Carré combines duck fat-washed Cognac, bittersweet orange, pomegranate with a hint of chocolate and spices.
When it comes to spirits, you’ll find a serious selection from Armagnac to Mezcal. The page and a half is dedicated to whisky and bourbon is set to please those in search for a rare dram such as Macallan Rare Black, Pappy Van Winkle 23 yo, Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 and Nikka Yoichi 15 yo.
As for food, bar bites include bourbon-blazed beef jerky and a wheel of Camembert and crackers while for A.Baker’s kitchen will provide a more substantial selection.
In staying with the theme, Black Market has a slightly obscure entrance. Look for a a hidden doorway off Phillip Law Street on the Nishi side of the A. Baker building which leads to a lift and keep a sharp eye for the Black Market sign.
Black Market Canberra
Address: Lower Ground, NewActon Pavilion, 15 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra
Hours: Mon to Sun from 5pm – late
Website: www.bmbar.com.au
Photo Credit: Supplied
