Paloma’s is named after the iconic Tequila cocktail. Photo: Botanist Creative.
Tequila seems to be Canberra’s newest craze, with Mexican-themed bars and restaurants popping up all over the city. And now Lonsdale Street is about to have a tequila bar of its own. Named after the iconic 1950s cocktail, Paloma’s on Lonsdale is taking over the space where gin bar Tipsy Bull used to be.
Paloma’s is the newest venue for Nick Parkinson, who also owns Hopscotch next door. He says that Paloma’s is going to be a space that will complement the uptempo atmosphere of Hopscotch with a slightly more chilled vibe.
“In recent years, Hopscotch has kind of organically drawn a younger crowd, and it’s a little more of a nightclub feel with a real dance floor happening later in the evening,” he told Region.
“Paloma’s will have a bit more of a lounge vibe, somewhere people can relax when Hopscotch starts to heat up.”
Tequila will be the focus of the new bar, but plenty of other drinks will also be available. Photo: Botanist Creative.
The bar will serve a variety of tequila-based cocktails including, of course, the Paloma cocktail (three parts grapefruit, one part tequila). This recipe has also informed the make-up of the venue, which will be three parts bar, one part restaurant.
Jackson McLoughlin is the general manager for Hopscotch, Paloma’s and the other venues owned by Nick Parkinson. He has travelled extensively through Mexico and says that this bar will really pay homage to the cuisine of Mexico City.
“Mexico City has always resonated with me in terms of the hospitality you receive, and the food is second to none, even just on a grassroots level. You can eat better on the street than in some of the best restaurants in the world!
“It’s quite a fun cuisine, and there’s the ability to play around with it because it’s super simple and all about those fresh flavours.”
The food will be mostly shared bites inspired by Mexican street food and snacks. We’ve been promised authentic birria tacos, ceviche, oysters, and the best guac and chips. The idea is not to have a full sit-down meal but to enjoy the snacks as accompaniments to the drinks on offer.
Tostada is also on the menu at Paloma’s on Lonsdale. Photo: Botanist Creative.
In addition to a full menu of tequila cocktails and local wines, the bar will also serve frozen margaritas and a Mexican-style lager brewed especially for them by Capital Brewing Co. The cerveza (beer) is a light, sessionable drink that should pair perfectly with the food offered.
Patrons will soon be lounging in the courtyard or chilling out indoors. There will be a newly installed DJ booth, but they’ll leave the all-out nightclub vibes to Hopscotch.
“It’s not going to be totally raucous! We want the food and drink to do the talking and create a fun environment for people. It’s going to make you want to stay and order just one more taco, one more margarita.”
An exact opening date is yet to be set, but Jackson says they will open the doors within the next week or two. Definitely in time for the silly season!
Paloma’s on Lonsdale is located at 2/5 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Visit the Paloma’s or follow them on Facebook and Instagram to find out their opening date.
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