European Imitators

1

 

The name Lucky Coq may raise an eyebrow or two, but it isn't meant to be rude or crude. It's just a little bit cheeky. You see, 'coq' means 'rooster' in French. And this venue has taken a shine to the French meaning of the word. It's filled with all sorts of faux roosters. There are plaster coqs, plastic coqs and feathered coqs. Lots and lots of coqs - or roosters - or whatever you'd like to call them. A sister venue to Bimbo Deluxe, this bar offers divine drinks, cosy couches, DJ tunes and cheap pizzas. Winter boozing looks ultra comfy here.

2

 

With more than 100 punchy vodka brands available for the drinking, this Polish restaurant-turned-bar is a top spot to get adventurous over a stiff shot, or three. Borsch, Vodka & Tears is an 'educational destination' for those who skipped the standard European backpacker trip after university, but still long for Euro-style episodes of drunken debauchery. Expect candles, gypsy music and plenty of booze. Remember, you're drinking to stave off the cold weather. Na zdrowie!

3

 

Belgian by name and English in style, this place lets you take a trip down the garden path and into a world of whimsy, wonder and fruit punch. Staff wear tight tennis whites, pour Pimms No. 1 and aim to provide the best table service this side of Italy. Indulge in a faux-grass garden party (cucumber sandwiches and bubbly) or strike up a chat with the venue's divine hostess, Miss Pearls.

4

 

Huge steins of ale, long communal tables and beer-soaking Germanic food set the scene. Events include midweek 'hoppy hour' drink specials and monthly bier-tasting sessions. Tuesdays also offer giant schnitzel challenges. Scoff the lot and you'll score some complimentary schnapps. The bar staff will even ring a cow bell in your honour! Classy.

5

 

European at heart, this refined salonette serves up cocktails, Champagne, limoncello, sambuca and Felton Road Pinot Noir that will seduce you and probably punch a sizeable hole in your wallet. A sister venue to the adjoining Bambini Trust Cafe, this place would probably fit right into a cobbled street in Rome or Paris. Its shiny setting is coated in Italian marble floors, French chandeliers, designer Zoffany wallpaper and vast mirrors. Cute Parisian-style cafe tables and leather banquettes add a snug factor and draw in drinkers who want sexy reds and uber whites.

6

 

Euro fashion and gaudy glamour are synonomous with the Versace name and brand, so step into this place to get your fix on the Gold Coast (of all places). Set within the luxe Palazzo Versace building, this bar and restaurant has plenty of highbrow wines plus a cigar room to boot.

7

 

The beer is the star here, with a large range of Belgian varieties that go down well with the company of pommes frites and mussels. Order a Kwak beer here, but don't even think of sneaking off with the glass. The bartenders will require your left shoe as a holding deposit. Seriously! The customer must hand over his or her left shoe before being loaned a slipper in exchange.

8

 

There are plans to name the cocktails here after European capital cities. Enough said.

9

 

An Irish pub in hot, sultry Darwin? Well, why not? Wash down your steak and Guinness pie with (yes, you guessed it) more Guinness. The decor keeps up Irish appearances with green splashes here and there plus plenty of dark wood.

10

 

This place is a hit with homesick English backpackers who find themselves craving a few pints of Boddingtons. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident ghosts. Apparently, these spirits have been spotted in the pub's basement function room, especially around closing time.

11

 

Everybody wants to get into the stereotypical Irish spirit, indulging in tall tales and even taller pints. PJ O'Brien's successfully captures that light-hearted Irish attitude, with frosty Guinness and jig-worthy music.

12

 

Descend into this basement bar for a glass (or three) of 2005 Stefano Lubiano pinot noir and a mixed tapas plate featuring chorizo, dips, squid and meatballs. It's all very Mediterranean.