The Gatsby Lounge

One of three ultra-sophisticated venues that just opened inside the new GPO, The Gatsby is a 1920s-style speakeasy on the upper level that is perfect for everything from intimate date nights to post-work drinks. Being inspired by the illustrious soirees of the golden age, it’s also the spot to enjoy a good martini—which you can build yourself with your choice of vodkas, gins, vermouths and garnishes from the martini menu.

The space here is utterly jaw-dropping—every detail has been carefully considered, from the backlit marble wall behind the bar to the glittering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. We particularly love the purple velvet lounges where you can sit and browse the 70-page drinks menu, but the real MVP of the bar is a carefully restored original 1887 vault which has been transformed into a locker room for bottles of vintage whisky—just in case you decide to splash out but can’t finish it off in one sitting.

There’s more than just martinis and whiskies to be found in that 70-page drinks menu (it’s basically a coffee table book), with three pages of cocktails alone, all 1920s-inspired. You can also build your own manhattan, negroni or old fashioned, and of course, there’s plenty of champagne—with some very exclusive bottles to pop if you’re feeling cashed up. 

Image credit: Supplied