Mai Tais, Appletinis and Cosmos are all on the menu for Nostalgia Week at Verity Lane. Photo: Ben Calvert.
Nostalgia must be in the air! No sooner had I published a piece about nostalgic dishes I’d like to see returned to the menus of Canberra than Verity Lane announces they are hosting Nostalgia Week, a two-week celebration of iconic dishes, classic cocktails and retro fun.
In the same vein as their popular Chilli Weeks and Truffle Weeks, Nostalgia Week will see all stallholders participating with special menu items to suit the theme.
“Nostalgia Week is about more than just food and drinks – it’s about bringing people together to celebrate the moments that shaped us and to create new memories,” said Kathryn Oplantzakis, head of precinct at Verity Lane Market.
Do you remember partying at The Private Bin? Photo: The Private Bin Reunion Facebook Page
To support the foodie fun downstairs, the week will finish with a very special one-night-only throwback party to the heyday of The Private Bin. This legendary Canberra nightclub operated from ’73 to ‘99 in the same building where Verity Lane now sits.
The party will be led by DJ Rob Bee, an OG Private Bin resident DJ for over six years.
“We’re inviting everyone to let loose and relive the days of unforgettable nights out,” Kathryn said.
“It’s going to be a fun, high-energy event filled with great music, delicious drinks and fantastic company.”
The most impressively retro-attired King and Queen of the Bin will win a prize as partygoers dance the night away to the sounds of the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
For those of us who were still learning to walk in the 90s (guilty), there are other nostalgic events on offer. Louie Louie (the bar and function space upstairs) will be screening the beloved classic The Princess Bride on Thursday evening. Popcorn, a lolly bar and special cocktails will accompany the free screening, where guests are encouraged to join in (prepare yourself for a cacophony of “as you wiiiiiiish!”)
Verity Lane vendors will be serving up nostalgic dishes from their childhoods over the week. Photo: Ben Calvert.
Nostalgic menu items include Potato and Rosemary Pizza, a tribute to Una Pizza owner Silvio’s Nonna. If it’s just like Nonna used to make, then you know it’s good! The bar is also getting in on the fun, bringing back classic cocktails like Cosmos, Appletinis and Mai Tais.
Other dishes will include childhood favourites of the vendors. Expect comfort food and familiar flavours served up with a dash of creativity!
“Nostalgia Week came about as we were looking at the history of the Sydney Building and, in particular, some of the venues that occupied the spaces where Verity Lane Market now stands,” said Kathryn.
“The Sydney Building has been home to some famous (and many infamous) Canberra venues, and we want to honour those who have been before us and give our patrons a little taste of what they might be missing from their youth.”
In other words, party like it’s 1999.
Nostalgia Week will run at Verity Lane from Thursday, 27 February, to Saturday, 8 March. Find out more on Verity Lane’s Instagram and Facebook pages. Tickets for the Private Bin Throwback Party are expected to sell out.
The Princess Bride screening on Thursday, 27 February, is free but guests can book ahead to secure their spot.
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