Toast of the town

(Pictures: Louisa Jones)

Geelong may be a long way from Chicago, but at The 18th Amendment you will feel like you are right there.

And not just any Chicago, with this hidden speakeasy taking locals back to the prohibition era of the 1920s as you enjoy world class cocktails and spirits.

Operations manager Damien Kos-Beckwith said they had made the bar as authentic as they could.

“We play up to that era a fair bit with our drink names and our overall theme, and people really embrace that when they come along,” Mr Kos-Beckwith said.

“While we’re on the main street of Geelong, it is a bit hidden away. But once you open the door to the venue it is quite glamorous with the rose gold and lots of velvet so you feel like you’re back in that era.

“We’ve been around for three years now, and pre-pandemic we always filled up pretty quick and never really quietened down until earlier this year.”

With the current restrictions on indoor gatherings, the bar has reduced it’s capacity and has also introduced an online booking system with patrons able to come and enjoy a drink in two hour blocks.

Once you’re there you can try a number of the bar’s signature drinks, such as the “Boardwalk Empire”, the “Shimmy Shimmy” or the “Harlem Sunset” as well as all the old classics.

“We’ve got over 500 spirits on the bar, so we’ve got our own signature drinks but we do all your classics if that takes your fancy,” Mr Kos-Beckwith said.

“The public has been great supporting us through this year and we can’t wait to welcome more people in to enjoy a drink with us.”

Details: the18thamendmentbar.com.au