Set upstairs within Soni's At Newtown, this lounge is swathed in Parisian-inspired glamour. Wine and sangria are served to the chilled, bohemian crowd.
Conventional wisdom would suggest that Madame Fling Flong is a mischievous vixen of a nightspot. After all, her name is hardly a throwback to old-world sensibilities. However this madame of a bar does seem to defy such wisdom. She saunters the fine line between Parisian glamour and bohemian style, right in the heart of gritty Newtown.
Brushing aside Sydney's obsession with all things minimalist, this intimate lounge is a heady mix of antique furniture, vintage chandeliers, fleshy red walls and matching silk drapes.
Given the setting, you almost expect to see a cluster of haughty mesdames and monsieurs swarming around the bar area. Instead, the regular drinkers are locals, artists and grungy types, and they gather here to indulge in some mid-week sangria or a vino from the modest but varied wine list.
Peckers aren't left out of the picture either, with a sumptuous choice of Mediterranean and Gallic nibbles. The Flor Di Latte snacks (mozzarella cheese balls with black olive oil and lemon rind) are tasty proof that the Madame is never one for mediocrity.
Assia Benmedjdoub
