| If you want to get to Bar Nothing, then trudging through some of the charming backstreets of Carlton North is an essential part of the journey; it almost feels like you're on the way to a party at a friend's share-house. This bar sits hidden among residential abodes. Its raw brickwork blends right into the inner-city neighbourhood, and its dilapidated facade gives a nod to the old horse-and-cart days. In fact, Bar Nothing is actually a converted stable house - originally built over a century ago. Today, its long, narrow setting is decked out in cheesy retro furnishings and shabby couches that look as though they've been tipped straight out of a time-warped lounge room. Black and white film noir movies flicker silently across old TVs, and there's even a <em>Double Indemnity</em> film script to peruse, if you so desire. University students and arty locals make up the regular crowd, and the music revolves around laidback, alternative tracks. Cosiness reigns, so expect plenty of intimate nooks and a blazing open fire during the winter months. The $20 cocktail card will score you six cocktails (or seven on Wednesdays). Guests are recommended to try the Sandra Sully: it blends vodka together with peach liqueur and orange, mango and lemon juice. While Bar Nothing is only open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday, the venue is otherwise available for private functions.
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