STOCKTON

Just past the rowdiest stretch of Wyndham Street is an almost pitchblack building entrance leading to Stockton. You won’t get lost—just follow the good-looking crowd on a Friday night. The speakeasy vibes continue inside the bar, where low slung sofas in buttery leather, velvety banquettes, untreated brick walls and a well-stocked bar are just visible in the candlelight. The name of the bar is taken from the middle name of American author Hunter S. Thompson, and the cocktails are inspired by various literary figures known, for better or worse, for their drinking habits. The list covers a whole spectrum of flavours, although like their muses, some of the drinks can be off-balance, especially on sweetness levels. Nonetheless, the collection of liquors—in particular, whiskies from the now-defunct Karuizawa distillery—is designed to impress. The food menu is extensive and wellexecuted, considering it is served until late into the night – think gastropubmeets-diner and a lot of piping hot, deep-fried things. After your third drink, it will be exactly what you need.