This year’s must-see spy action thriller The King’s Man serves up the slickest inspiration for those wanting to level up the decadence. An ode to the dapper dressing and sophistication of yesteryear, the film will not only enthrall you but it will leave you wanting to channel that unparalleled King’s Man style.
So, to celebrate The King’s Man—the third instalment in the beloved Kingsman franchise—and the prequel origin story we never knew we needed—we’ve rounded up the best places to enjoy a dapper night out in your city, inspired, of course, by The King’s Man. Think sharp suits, top-shelf whiskey, subterranean locales and exceptional quality.
Perth
Poole's Temple
According to Poole’s Temple—Perth’s late-night jazz bar slinging a delicious mix of martinis and oysters—all good things begin underground. And we couldn’t agree more. The epitome of a classic, old-world underground watering hole, this is the perfect place to hit up when you’re in the mood for a little after-dark opulence. Dedicated to the “nocturnal connoisseurs” among us, Poole’s Temple is open from Thursday to Saturday, 5pm to 2am, and cloaked in dark, crushed velvets and moody hues. Plunge to the depths of the cosmopolitan underground and soak up some live jazz as you sample an unforgettable fusion of Parisian-style bites and a dry, classic or dirty martini.
L’Chaim
A mysterious underground bar hidden beneath the historic Old Synagogue in Fremantle, L’Chaim is Freo’s latest exquisite bar that’s seriously worth hunting down. Serving up masterfully-crafted cocktails chilled with hand-sculpted ice, the bar offers a dapper experience embellished with red velvet chesterfields, a grand piano and chandeliers. Push your way through a hidden bookshelf door and sink into the plush booths as you sip a specialty cocktail or two and transport yourself to an aristocratic bygone era.
Bar Lafayette
Awarded Western Australia’s Best Cocktail Bar by Bartender Magazine, Bar Lafayette is a dimly-lit cocktail bar revered for its impeccable, artisanal cocktails served with welcomed old-fashioned charm. Located in the heritage-listed 1910 Perth Technical College in the Brookfield Place precinct, this is where the dapper come to swirl, sniff and sip whisky—and sophistication reigns supreme. It’s all about smart drinks perfectly paired with drool-worthy charcuterie and sharp cheese. The perfect place to wet your whistle and hole up for a post-work catch-up. Lean into the grand, gallery-like space that’s fit for a diplomat, or pull up a stool at the bar and be sure to explore the depths of the next-level cocktail menu.
Melbourne
Gimlet
Step inside Gimlet and you’ll be forgiven in thinking you’ve miraculously transported yourself to Europe of yesteryear. Located on the corner of Flinders Lane and Russell Street in a landmark 1920s building, Gimlet is a melting pot of decadence, class, charm and glamour, reminiscent of London’s grandiose-style dining. Here, the European-style menu marries old-world with new, serving up delicious dishes like wood-fired southern rock lobster in saffron rice and bisque sauce, and dry-aged Muscovy duck crown with endive and morello cherry sauce. As for the space, well, it’s kind of like a Kingsman spy, really—it’s versatile and charming, lavish yet approachable. Think dark timber accents, leather and marble. A haven of quality, it’s an ideal place to hole up in a smart suit either for a post-work drink or an indulgent night out.
Chancery Lane
Similarly to Gimlet, Chancery Lane allows you to step back in time with its luxurious antique-inspired interiors and suave finishings. Set inside the historic walls of the Normanby Chambers building, this 100-seat European-style bistro oozes charm and features an impressive floor-to-ceiling wine cellar. While the menu is on the shorter side, it’s a cut above the rest with classy caviar by the gram or tin and mouth-watering charcuteries. Like a fresh pair of Oxfords (not brogues), the restaurant is laced with sophistication and is a must-visit for anyone seeking a King’s Man-style night out.
Pearl Diver
If you fancy an oyster or a dozen, Melbourne’s newest oyster and cocktail bar Pearl Diver will undoubtedly knock your expectations out of the park. An homage to deep-sea pearl diving and the beauty that lies beneath the surface—or within an oyster shell—the space is awash with ocean blues, sea greens and adorned with glass, brass and fishing-style netting. While the main event here is oysters (they’re served eight ways), there is an equally-impressive “not oysters” menu featuring salt cod beignet with sorrel cream, steak tartare with oyster Cream and artichoke, and duck terrine served with foie gras and pickled cherries. Pull up a chair in the main dining room, bar or scoot into one of the many private booths that are either surrounded by curtains or closed off with a sliding door for those wanting a little more privacy.
Sydney
The Gidley
An underground fine dining restaurant and bar that requires spy-like navigation skills to find, The Gidley breathes opulence back into Sydney’s CBD. Inspired by the world’s greatest steak houses, The Gidley takes its name from Governor Philip Gidley King (the third governor of NSW) and exudes old-world charm with its impeccable service, slick velvet booths, stone benches, herringbone floors and moody lighting. Perfect for a dapper night, you can expect oysters, Riverine Black Angus rib-eye, brick chicken with bread sauce, and neat negronis. Oh, and if you really want to dial up the sophistication to King’s Man level, book the private dining room for you and your crew—you can even book a private poker room complete with your very own croupier.
The Barber Shop
To lean into a dapper night out you need to look the part, and Barangaroo’s bespoke grooming experience The Barber Shop is just the place to whip you into shape. As the moniker suggests, this bar is a fully-functioning barber shop offering a solid mix of cuts and styling paired with sensational cocktails. From a hot towel face shave and beard trim to the full ‘Balvenie Experience’ (a haircut followed by a luxe hot towel shave, plus an exclusive Balvenie whisky cocktail and whiskey flight consisting of 15ml tastings of The Balvenie 12 Year Doublewood, The Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask, and The Balvenie 17 Year Sherry Cask), this brilliant hybrid should certainly be the first stop on your dapper itinerary.
Hubert
This subterranean French-inspired restaurant and bar need no introduction. A classy multi-level establishment that fast became a Sydney institution back in 2016, Restaurant Hubert celebrates European bygones in style. Boasting three bars, a grand dining room, intimate private dining rooms and a 100-seat art-house cinema draped in red velvet, it’s a must-try for restaurant lovers. The polished menu is brimming with French favourites levelled up with a rich, unexpected twist like the chicken fricassée, hand-cut steak tartare, escargots with XO sauce and frame duck parfait in a shimmering maple-syrup jelly—we’re telling you, this is without a doubt where spies would come to dine.
Brisbane
Death And Taxes
A sleek and sophisticated watering hole hidden away down Brisbane City’s oldest laneway Burnett Lane, which was formed in 1829, Death And Taxes cocktail and whiskey bar inspired by the underground, secret bars of London and Paris. The brainchild from bar heavyweights responsible for Brisbane institutes like Cobbler, Savile Row and Finney Isles, Death And Taxes has a laser-sharp focus on shaking up top quality bevvies. The space is awash with rich, glamorous greens and browns, supple leather and brass accents, plus it sports an impressive back bar stocked and adorned with over 1000 spirits, complete with a sliding ladder.
Savile Row
The younger sister of favourite Brisbane bar, Cobbler, Savile Row in Fortitude Valley is not just a whisky bar—though they do stock a damn fine bottle—it’s a portal to London’s iconic central London strip known for its exquisite (King’s Man-style) tailoring and quality tipples. Hidden in plain sight, head through an orange door and dive deep behind black curtains to uncover a rich mix of warm mahogany, leather, crystal and captivating art. An inviting and relaxing atmosphere that will instantly usher you away from the hustle and bustle, Savile Row nooks and booths are perfect for small groups and post-work catch-ups. As for the drinks, the back bar boasts over 900 types of spirits and the team serve up an impressive list of over 20 original and theatrical cocktails, like Blood Brother: The Prequel, a smoky 10 year Laphroaig 10YR made with blood orange and Peychauds.
The Tailors
Now, if this secret bar doesn’t scream The King’s Man, we don’t know what does. Hidden behind what looks like the window of a tailor shop named Rodriguez & Co, The Tailors is Woolloongabba’s fun new bar that’s certainly worth a visit. Step inside and swing open the mirror to reveal the bar’s entry. The narrow speakeasy-style space has a slightly Art Deco feel with lush velvet banquette seating, high tables, mirrors and dark timber accents. If you head there for a dapper weekend night out, you can expect a side of Cuban and Latin American live music with your juicy, creative cocktails.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with 20th Century Studios. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.