Michael Mueller has designed the Speaker’s Corner cocktail list. Photo: Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
Walking into the Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel always feels a little like stepping back in time, where you’re surrounded by warm wooden panelling, chandelier lighting, brass fittings and 20s architecture.
This 102-year-old building has seen more than its fair share of history and the Speaker’s Corner bar is no exception. Tucked between a leafy courtyard and a games room with an historic billiards table, Speaker’s Corner is the place where politicians, spies, diplomats and socialites spilled secrets over cocktails.
A new cocktail menu seeks to celebrate some of the characters who have played a significant role in Canberra’s history. Slipping onto a bar stool on a bitterly cold winter’s evening, I was ready to hear their stories.
Bartender Michael Mueller is the man behind the menu. He told Region he wanted to keep things refined – “definitely not a tikki vibe!” – by adding his twist on classic cocktails.
I started with Gallagher’s Gimlet: honouring, of course, former ACT Chief Minister (now ACT Senator) Katy Gallagher. The base of this drink is a local gin, mixed with snowpea-mint-basil puree, lime, agave and finger lime. It is refreshing, zesty and light, although I would argue much too Green for a Labor politician!
Michael assured us that Senator Gallagher has tasted the drink and approves.
The herbacous Shepherd’s Sour was a surprise winner for me. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
The Shepherd’s Sour is a herbaceous take on a whiskey sour, with a cucumber and lemon myrtle foam topping a combination of two whiskies. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drink. Initially I was sceptical about the combination but it was incredibly well balanced: the foam bringing a little sweetness to the smooth whiskey.
This drink celebrates renowned horticulturist Charles Weston, known as the man who planted three million trees. He landscaped early Canberra and was also responsible for choosing the trees at the Hyatt. So it’s only appropriate to name this herbaceous drink for him.
The Isabella Southwell is a sparkling, vintage-inspired drink that pays homage to the first manager of the hotel.
A pioneering woman, Isabella was ahead of her time to hold such a position in 1924. The drink is described as being “effervescent, elegant, and unforgettable – just like the woman who welcomed Australia’s elite with grace and grit”.
We also tasted the Murdoch Old Fashioned. J S Murdoch was the architect of the original Hotel Canberra in 1924. Dark chocolate, orange bitters and Bourbon whiskey combine for a smoky smooth drink.
Murdoch Old Fashioned is surely best enjoyed by a roaring fire. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
One cocktail on the menu hasn’t been altered at all: The Menzies Martini. This is, of course, a nod to Sir Robert Menzies who was Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister and a frequent guest at the hotel. You can order the Menzies Martini with three oysters on the side, just as he liked to have it.
The atmosphere in the Speakers Corner bar is second to none. The fireplace roars behind us, as lamps and candlelight create intimate corners (perfect for a clandestine meeting).
There’s a compact menu of snacks, sandwiches and sweets on offer. In a charming old-fashioned touch, a small dish of peanuts or olives will accompany your drinks.
Sipping our drinks I couldn’t help but wonder what stories these walls would tell us if they could talk. But perhaps the next best thing is raising a glass to that history.
Speaker’s Corner Bar is at Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel, 120 Commonwealth Avenue. It is open from 4 to 11 pm Monday to Thursday, 3 pm until midnight Friday and Saturday and 5 to 9 pm on Sunday.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.
