This modern pub is buzzy and attracts a strong gay following. Its windows open onto Oxford Street and are great for people-watching and pavement-to-pub chatting.
Sitting smack-bang in the gay epicentre of Darlinghurst, The Colombian has keg-loads of magnetic appeal, drawing in local regulars and periodic waves of serious partygoers.
During the day, this place is all about lazy beers, people-watching and the odd flirtation. Pull up a faux snakeskin stool facing the streetscape. The huge open windows are designed for pub-to-pavement chatting, so this is prime position if you want to pick up a passing stranger.
Handbag pop and party tunes permeate the barscape and Asahi and Stella Artois flow on tap, along with VB and Carlton Draught.
Crowd-wise, The Colombian attracts a mixed bag of drinkers. Expect beautiful men in tight t-shirts, colourful locals sporting tatts and piercings, gender-bending lovelies and the occasional cluster of straight girls punctuating the background scenery.
The vibe is usually happy-go-lucky and laidback during the day, but be warned: it turns a little wilder after dark. Venture into The Colombian on a Friday or Saturday party night and take the stairs up to the next level. The dance floor heaves and the cocktails flow in the form of caipiroskas, mojitos and martinis. The tunes are loud and there's always plenty of naughty, cut-loose mischief on the boil.
Andrea Tomaz
