Barbara is the result of the collective creative brainpower of five close friends. After breaking onto the scene 18 months ago with The Calypso Boys, a pop-up restaurant, the group decided they wanted to build on their dynamic by opening their dream bar. Brothers Michael and Matthew Thompson, Jaxon King, James Gunston, and Mitch Reyes pooled their collective inspiration and realised that their goals and aesthetic desires were closely aligned – shortly after they began the process of designing a bar that was not afraid to have a modern and contemporary appeal. Nestled on Warner Street, the boys stretched their DIY muscles and fit out the empty space from scratch. The venue is filled with custom-built stools, tables, benches and light fixtures made from American oak with an emphasis on clean lines and minimalist design, which stylistically wouldn’t seem out of place in fashionable locations such as New York or Barcelona.

Behind the bar Barbara stocks a range of consumable offerings, which will please any discerning bar crowd. Craft beer and local brews are available across six taps, plus an extensive selection of spirits to cater most tastes. The team partnered with Lee McAlister-Smiley from White Lies Brewing Co to create a signature beer that is easily sessionable. Barbara will host resident DJs playing a smart collection of genres, with special events set to take place on occasion. Barbara is a bar that refuses to be pigeonholed, a small bar that acts like a big one, proudly Australian with plenty of soul. By eschewing gimmicks and offering drinks that they like, the Barbara crew has turned a blank canvas into a hospitable and effortlessly cool haunt for Valley wanderers who are looking for a bar to spend an afternoon, an evening or a whole night (although a small bar, Barbara stays open until 3:00 am on weekends). Find Barbara in the Stumble Guide for contact details and opening hours.