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Madame Fling Flong

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

A quick flight up some stairs, one floor above Soni's tapas bar, and a mere moment from King Street takes you to one of Newtown's hidden treasures. With its gold cushioned bartop, low-lit lamplight and salmon coloured walls, this small venue effortlessly whisks aristocratic elegance into something as chilled out as possible, depositing you in a boudoir so deep with soft velour couches and plump davenports that it's impossible not to sink into instant comfort.

From the armchair it is possible, however, to launch into a flight of fancy (if you haven't sunk like a stone into your seat) simply from the cocktail menu. Meet Baron MacFlong - an 18-year old single malt shaken with Chambord, apple and lime then topped with ginger ale. Lady Marmalade also hits some high notes - Bacardi, Triple Sec with mandarin Napoleon, shaken with crushed ice and Grand Marnier floated on top. As the tapas comes from Soni's restaurant downstairs, it's highly recommended. The Canard Filou is a good place to start - Marget Duck in pomegranate glaze, walnuts, strawberries and wilted baby spinach.

Lo-fi tunes perfectly suit the relaxed tone of this place, with DJs playing on Fridays. On Tuesday's Madame Fling Flong's shakes herself into a great little cinema. It's important to book ahead, as armchairs and settees fill quickly. This cosy nook is a great hideaway, making a welcome change from the bland standard of the pokie-packed pub that has come to define many a casual watering hole.
Geoff Stanton, December 2007