Flying Colours

Burnett Lane's Super Whatnot was a go-to spot for knock-off drinks and a rotating list of DJs for the post-work CBD crowd. While that beloved venue is no longer, its regulars will feel right at home at its spiritual sequel, Flying Colours.

While some of the furniture has moved across from the old venue, make no mistake: Flying Colours is a different beast. It like a grown-up version of Super Whatnot, with a greater focus on the food and wine offering. Expect snacks including smoked mussels on toast with almond cream; and a hot dog with smoked pork cheek frankfurt and mustard. More substantial plates might include pork cotteleto with winter greens, and steak frites.

To drink, there are wines by natural producers such as Konpira Maru, No Mountain and Adlib Wine. Super Whatnot was an early supporter of local craft beer, and there are a few taps dedicated to it here. A short and sharp cocktail list of eight seasonal drinks rounds out the offering.

For the fit-out, owner Simon Martin called on architects Marc & Co, who previously won awards for Super Whatnot’s timeless decor. Housed in the former Wandering Cooks warehouse, it’s a bigger space with several different areas within the venue.

The courtyard is filled with greenery and pastel hues; while inside the venue has a darker, moody feel. There’s an area with booth seating and a spinning disco ball, and another section with a lounge and low-set timber tables. A rotating roster of DJs plays from Friday to Sunday, while bar staff spin tunes from the extensive house record collection during the week. (Expect more chilled-out beats than electronic dance music.)

Speakers were hand-built in Tasmania by bespoke audio outfit Pitt & Giblin, who flew up to ensure the correct insulation was applied to the walls, the bar and the ceiling to maximise the acoustic quality.