Hunt down Burleigh's secret laneway bar.
Hunt down Burleigh's secret laneway bar.
It’s the last piece of the puzzle for our beloved Burleigh Heads, a suburb filled with first class dining and arguably the most beautiful beach in the world. That’s right folks, Lockwood Bar opened this week and it’s every bit the secretive, speakeasy drinking den of your dreams.
You can find the small bar via a red door on Justin Lane (it’s a laneway behind the restaurant of the same name) and once you do the fun has begun. There’s a phone number and a secret code and once you’ve made contact you’ll be met at the door and escorted through the red velvet curtain. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by exceptionally cosy space decked out industrial-style with a wooden ceiling, wrought iron bar stools and, the pièce de résistance, a bar stocked with spirits you’ve probably never laid eyes on before.
Since alcohol is the name of the game here you won’t be surprised to learn there are 140 specifically chosen bottles on the bar, 70 of which are varieties of whiskey.
Who knew there were that many you ask. Co-owner Brendan Yeo knew, that’s who. He’s extremely knowledgeable (not to mention passionate) about all things spirits and LOVES to educate his guests on the story behind each tipple.
The other half of the team Zac Wright was a brewer for Stone and Wood in a past life, so he’s the guy who knows a lot about beer (among other things).
Together the pair dreamt up the venue with the intention of creating a bar to match the high quality food scene Burleigh is already bringing to the Coast.
The cocktail list is made up of Brendan’s personal spin on the classics. A favourite is the Brookies Blackthorn served in a teacup with Brookies Slow Gin (a Byron Bay local), Mancinno Rosso Vermouth, orange bitters and fresh rosemary.
The wine list, also carefully selected, is made up of softer French and Italian drops.
If an all-encompassing experience is on your hit list, seek out Lockwood Bar’s red door and prepare to be transported into the theatrical world of old school speakeasies.
LOCATION: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads (the rest is up to you)
HOURS: 5pm to midnight Thursday to Monday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith