The team behind Island Radio is back, and this time, they’re taking things upstairs. House Made Hospitality has unveiled Baptist Street Rec. Club, a neighbourhood bar with a distinctly Aussie throwback feel, perched just above their Southeast Asian-inspired eatery.
Having officially opened its doors on February 5th, this new watering hole channels the carefree, late-night spirit of the ’80s and ’90s, blending cold beers, top-tier cocktails, and a ripping local wine list with a vibe that shifts from laid-back to electric as the night unfolds.
Inside, it’s a love letter to retro Australiana. The walls are lined with gig posters, cult movie memorabilia, and nostalgic nods to the TV shows and ads that shaped a generation. One corner of the bar is dedicated to a rotating lineup of DJs and live bands, ensuring there’s always a reason to stay for ‘one more.’ The Trophy Room, an intimate space lined with vintage trophies, caters to larger groups or private hangs. Whether you’re perched at a high table or sinking into a banquette, Baptist Street Rec. Club feels both familiar and refreshingly unexpected.
Drinks-wise, the team isn’t here to reinvent the wheel. Beverage director Jason Williams (House Made Hospitality) and bar lead Dan Cramsie (ex-Clam Bar, Pepito’s, Double Deuce Lounge) have put together a menu that’s big on flavour without the fuss. Classic cocktails come with a twist—think Japanese Slipper with native finger lime and yuzucello, or a White Russian infused with burnt butter vodka and maple cream. The Breakfast Martini swaps the usual orange marmalade for spiced pineapple and arrives garnished with a piece of toast. The Strawberry Daiquiri is an all-out celebration of its namesake fruit, packed with strawberry-infused rum, strawberry gum cordial, and fresh strawberries.
A rotating selection of monthly specials brings seasonal ingredients into the mix, with launch highlights including the Beetroot Negroni (roasted beetroot, gin, vermouth, Campari) and the Earl Grey Fizz (gin, almond, Earl Grey, lemon). As Williams puts it: “These drinks aren’t about impressing bartenders—they’re about being fresh, fun, and easy to love.” If cocktails aren’t your thing, the bar pours a sharp lineup of local beers, including house-made Reccy Lager, plus crowd-pleasers like Guinness. The wine list, curated by Ahmad Fahda (ex-W Sydney, Pier One), champions small-batch producers, pét-nats, chilled reds, and bold whites, with glasses starting at $10.50.
No good drinking session is complete without a bite to eat, and here, the menu leans into playful Thai-inspired bar snacks under the banner of Bangkok Dreaming. Expect crab betel leaves, spring rolls, and crispy money bags, alongside share platters from $36—bringing back echoes of the quirky Thai menus that popped up in Aussie pubs decades ago but with a bit more finesse.
Tucked away off Baptist Street, the bar keeps its doors open until 2 am from Thursday through Saturday, making it a go-to for post-dinner drinks, unplanned dance floors, or a sneaky nightcap. Entry is via the laneway, but for those already dining at Island Radio, there’s a secret stairway leading straight into the action.
Baptist Street Rec. Club is here for the good times. No pretension, no overcomplication—just great drinks, solid tunes, and a space that lets you unwind or turn it up, depending on the night. Find out more info here.
