Volstead Repeal

At the end of a sleek arcade off Mort Street in Braddon sits Volstead Repeal, a cosy whisky and cocktail bar delivering old-world charm. It’s named after the repeal of the Volstead Act, which prohibited the production and sale of alcohol in the United States in the early 20th century.

The drinking den has a decidedly New York-inspired speakeasy slant with moody candles, vintage green bankers lamps, leather chesterfields and a wooden bar running the length of the space. Behind the counter is a well-stocked wall of whisky and other spirits – many of which feature on a carefully crafted cocktail list that gets a shake up a couple of times a year. A handy map at the back of the menu places each concoction on a taste compass to show its flavour profile along four axes: sweet, dry, light and fresh, and stiff and boozy.

If it’s whisky you’re after, you can mull over the more than 400 bottles on offer. Join guided whisky tastings or try out a few self-guided whisky flights covering just a smidge of the collection.

Graze on charcuterie and cheese plates, or for something more substantial, a small pizza oven in the corner pumps out classic margheritas, a prosciutto and rocket rendition, and a truffle and jalapeno number topped with honey.