Double Deuce, the CBD’s “Porn Chic” Favourite, To Close This Summer

When Double Deuce opened in a Sydney basement in 2019, co-owners Charlie Lehmann, Sebastian “Cosmo” Soto and Dardan Shervashidze were itching to start pouring drinks. The trio – also behind divey go-to Ramblin’ Rascal – had been ready and waiting to open for a month, held up by liquor licence complications. Then, in June, Sydney met Deuce, descending for creative takes on classic cocktails and some super-retro snacks.

Now, after six years of “’70s porn chic” cocktails – like the Full Bush (a maple-sweetened mix of bourbon, yuzu and grapefruit), Slippery When Wet (a spritzy pisco and mango number) and happy hour Doris Martini – at the bar or in any of the leather-lined booths, the team is moving out.

“It is with some sadness and trepidation that we announce to our aforementioned fans that Double Deuce Lounge, in its current existence, will be closing its doors in 2026,” the team wrote on Instagram. But this is only while they look for a new venue “to boogie in and give you the same world class, ’70s porn chic service you have always been guaranteed”.

The bar’s playful, precise drinks and fun food offering (chicken salted Jatz; skewers of cabanossi, cheese and pickled onion) are Sydney favourites, but slow trade in the CBD is reportedly a factor in the decision to leave Bridge Street. The trio share that they’ve not bounced back to pre-Covid crowds since the pandemic.

“We thank you to all who have graced our bar top, sipped and guzzled on delicious cocktails created by our small yet enigmatic teams over the years and had a yarn or two, late into the evenings and most likely well into the early morning. It is not goodbye, just see you soon.”

Double Deuce’s final service has not yet been announced, along with whether the new space – expected to be in the CBD, too – will stick to the same format. The vibe though, will endure.

“Rest assured we will be back in a new home with our signature style in no time.”

Double Deuce Lounge is expected to close in summer 2025.