Just when you thought Taylor Square couldn’t get any more colourful, Happy Talk arrives to shake (and stir) things up.

Now officially open,  this playful new tiki bar is hidden upstairs in the Courthouse Hotel’s former Judgment Bar, now transformed into a vibrant slice of tropical nostalgia by hospitality duo Paul Mant and Ben Turner. Think bold drinks matched with coastal kitsch interiors

Happy Talk doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s the whole point. You’ll find cocktail towers topped with pineapple fronds, banana hot sauce on the side, and a food menu built for a cheeky night out. It’s a tiki twist with Darlinghurst spirit: retro interiors by designer Shantala Mack channel vintage surf shack vibes with salvaged textures and sun-faded flair. Add in Coconut Prawns and a Three-Headed Zombie, and you’ve got yourself a night.

What to Eat: Firecracker Coconut Prawns or Pork & Pineapple Skewers.
What to Drink: The Wrong Island Iced Tea, chaotic, colourful, and dangerously good.
When to Go: Saturday night cocktail crawl or cheeky midweek date spot.
Cost: Signature cocktails from $19; snack menu built for sharing.
Where to Play After: Kick on downstairs at the Courthouse or wander across to The Colombian.
Vibe Check: Kitsch, tropical, and unashamedly fun.
Book It: Walk-ins welcome or book via Courthouse Hotel for groups and events.