Molly — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

Excellent selection of whisky (despite 400% mark up on retail), nice atmosphere and mostly friendly bartenders. I've been here before and have had nothing but nice things to say about the place, even if it is a little difficult to find. HOWEVER, my most recent experience will be the reason why I won't be coming back here again.

We booked a table here for a friends birthday. Things were fine for the first couple of hours that we were there, but when we accidentally spilt some water on the table, that's when things changed. I should note that we were far from inebriated at this time.

We asked one of the table staff if they could bring us some paper towel or something to clean the water up, which they did. We even cleaned up the spillage ourselves, and advised the table staff that the spillage was only water. Despite it not being more than about 100ml of water and not a large mess, we still apologised to the staff.

Soon after this event, we had bartenders/table staff coming to our table to clear glasses every 10-15 minutes - even when we often didn't have any (or sometimes only a single glass to clear). This was hardly necessary, but it would soon become apparent why this was being done. By about the fourth visit from one of the bartenders, they started some small talk with us, and asked what we were drinking, followed by offering some really obscure improv analogy/description about one of the drinks that seemed really out of place. It was clear at this stage that the bartenders/wait staff were likely checking up on us to see if we were drunk. This feeling made us uncomfortable, and definitely impacted on our enjoyment of the special occasion for the remainder of the night.

I'll be the first to admit when I'm in the wrong, but even after personally only consuming 4 drinks in the space of 4 hours and being essentially sober, I definitely did not think that we were being loud, rowdy or disturbing other patrons - neither were any other drinks spilled. None of the bartenders or wait staff ever mentioned any issues or complaints about our behaviour. Later in the evening, a couple of our guests were refused service of alcohol. I completely understand that business requirements exist in licenced premises, however no such indication was made to these guests that they were being refused alcohol based on the assumption that they were intoxicated. Again, we would have been more than open to any concerns that the staff had about our behaviour or otherwise. The only other thing that we believed may have been a cause for concern from the staff was in regards to one of the oil candles/laterns that was on the table, which we had changed the setting on to increase the strength of the flame. I completely understand if this was perceived as an issue by staff, and would have refrained from doing so, had this been raised by the staff there as a problem.

Eventually, one of the staff there summoned the courage to come to the table. They snatched the candle from the table, turned it off, told us to finish our drinks and leave. ZERO explanation, ZERO warnings or concerns raised.

We were still perplexed by this, given the above. However, given we had been planning to leave, accepted the directions given by the staff member.

Molly drinks are not cheap, so when I say that between 5 of us that we spent $600+, it is not necessarily a reflection of the total volume of drinks consumed between us (I was tasting whiskies that were $30-$60 each and only had 5 drinks over a 5 hour period).

I have to say, this was absolutely poor form by your staff, especially considering how much we spent there. Great way to show your appreciation for people who help keep your business viable, and a great way to put a sour taste on what was meant to be a special occasion for a close friend.

We won't be back again. Will it matter to Molly? Probably not, but I hope that some people think twice about coming here if they're looking to celebrate a...

We were heading to Canberra and some friends of ours recommended Molly Bar. I took a quick look on Instagram and immediately knew this was somewhere we just had to visit. We expected it to be hard to find, given it is a speakeasy. However it wasn’t too hard, since we saw a dashing barman in a vest exiting an old building in an alleyway off Odgers lane in Canberra’s ‘Civic’ area. Head up the inconspicuous stairwell and you’ll see the tiled/mosaic Molly doormat. Enter into the space and take a moment to take it all in. The bar is uber cool. A dimly lit space with a mix of booths, lounges and tables, with candles to provide light for you to peruse the menu. An 100 year old piano sits in the corner, ready for live music to entertain the crowds. Drink wise, you’ll be wowed by the expansive bar which is fully stocked with the most extensive whiskey list you’ll find, with over 300 on the list alone. Whilst it specialises in whisky, they’ve also got plenty of gins and other cocktails too. I wasn’t sure what to order and gave my taste preferences to the barman and he whipped me up a cocktail with Gin, Grenadine, Sweet Vermouth, Lemon And Egg white. It was light and sweet and delicious. It was tough to decide whether this was the favourite or “Alfie’s Bakery cocktail”. We’ve never had anything like it; infused with rum, demara sugar, burnt butter and raisin toast. This stiff drink brought out all those flavours in spades. We would certainly return for this alone. Although we didn’t eat, since our bar visit preceded a previously booked dinner, the cheese and charcuterie platters looked incredible and we’ll certainly be up for ordering one of these next time. A visit here will certainly take you back in time, for all the right reasons. It is contextually fitting to the prohibition era, it has a whole lot of class and character and great drinks to boot. Add the map coordinates to you phone and make your way to the bar. Half the fun is finding it and the rest is waiting for you behind the unmarked...

Nestled discreetly in Canberra, this hidden whiskey bar is a true gem waiting to be discovered. The lack of signage and peculiar stairs build anticipation, and upon opening the door, a world of wonder unfolds.

The atmosphere inside is nothing short of amazing. It exudes a warmth that instantly makes you feel at home, creating the perfect ambiance for an evening of relaxation and enjoyment. The unique setup adds an element of mystery, enhancing the overall experience.

One of the bar's standout features is its impressive variety of drinks. From rare whiskies to expertly crafted cocktails, the selection caters to every palate. The staff's knowledge and passion for their craft shine through, ensuring you find the perfect drink to savor.

What sets this place apart is the live jazz that fills the air, making it the best spot in the city for jazz enthusiasts. The soulful tunes create a harmonious backdrop, elevating the overall experience and adding to the bar's allure.

In conclusion, this hidden whiskey bar in Canberra is a delightful surprise for those in the know. It's a haven for whiskey connoisseurs, cocktail enthusiasts, and jazz lovers alike. The blend of a unique atmosphere, diverse drink selection, and soulful jazz make it a must-visit destination for a...